WO2005082228A1

WO2005082228A1 - Endoscope and endoscope system

Info

Publication number: WO2005082228A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/003327
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sumihiro Uchimura; Fumiyuki Onoda; Toshiaki Noguchi; Akira Taniguchi; Katsuya Suzuki
Original assignee: Olympus Corporation
Priority date: 2004-02-26
Filing date: 2005-02-28
Publication date: 2005-09-09
Also published as: US7942810B2; US20060293562A1

Abstract

An endoscope having an insertion section to be inserted into a subject; an operation section provided at the rear end of the insertion section; control processing means provided in the operation section, controlling imaging means for imaging an image of the subject and also controlling a predetermined function of the operation section; a signal circuit extended from the control processing means; and a connection section provided in the operation section, enabling detachable connection of a tube unit through which at least one tube path is inserted.

Description

Specification

Endoscope and endoscope system

Technical field

The present invention relates to an endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity or the like and performs an endoscopy or the like, and an endoscope system including the endoscope.

Background art

[0002] In recent years, endoscopes having an image pickup device built in an insertion section have been widely used for inspection of body cavities, treatment using a treatment tool, and the like.

[0003] As described above, an endoscope having a built-in imaging device and having a flexible insertion section is provided with a light guide for transmitting illumination light from an operation section provided at a rear end side of the insertion section. 2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope having a universal cable through which a signal line connected to an image sensor is inserted is known.

[0004] In addition, an operation button or a switch for performing various control operations is provided on an operation unit of this type of endoscope, so that various controls can be performed by the operation unit. Endoscopes are also known.

[0005] However, in the endoscope as described above, a large number of operation buttons or switches can be provided on the operation unit to perform various controls. Therefore, many signal lines are provided in the universal cable. It is necessary to pass through. As a result, the universal cable became thicker, and in some cases, the thicker universal cable hindered operation.

[0006] In addition, when a large number of different functions are provided in the endoscope, it is necessary to insert signal lines corresponding to the different functions in the universal cable, which makes it difficult to expand the cable and reduces the manufacturing cost. Is increased.

On the other hand, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-369789, a universal cable through which a light guide for transmitting illumination light is inserted is made detachable, and an optical cable is inserted together with this light guide so that an image pickup device is used. There is known an endoscope configured to transmit an imaging signal or the like to a signal processing device outside the endoscope. The problem that is greatly reduced there were.

[0007] In general, an endoscope having a flexible insertion portion is provided with a curved portion near the distal end of the insertion portion so that the endoscope can be inserted into a bent body or the like and can be observed in a desired direction. A bending operation means is provided so that the bending portion can be bent (angled) in the operation portion on the hand side.

[0008] By bending the bending portion in this way, it becomes easy to insert the insertion portion into a bent body cavity. Then, in order to further improve the insertability, it is convenient to be able to detect a state in which the curved portion is pressed against the inner wall or the like. In this case, an electric pressure sensor may be provided in the bending portion. Since the power endoscope necessarily requires illumination means, if a part of the illumination light can be used, it is a very useful use method. Become.

[0009] In the electronic endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-124104, a pressure sensor formed of a strain gauge is provided in a bending portion to detect pressure, and the bending operation is performed by the output of the pressure sensor. The bending operation by the operating means is restricted.

The example of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-124104 is to electrically detect pressure, and does not make it possible to efficiently use the above-mentioned illumination light.

[0010] Furthermore, since an endoscope, particularly in the medical field, is used by being inserted into a body cavity for the purpose of examination and treatment, it is necessary to wash and disinfect the endoscope. When cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope, an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus is used. The endoscope is set in a cleaning tank of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, and is cleaned, disinfected, rinsed, and drained.

[0011] The endoscope has a plurality of conduits such as an air supply / water supply conduit and a forceps port. It is necessary that the washing liquid and the disinfectant liquid sufficiently pass through these pipes, and that the washing and disinfection be surely performed.

[0012] Such an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus capable of detecting whether various pipes provided inside the endoscope are appropriately cleaned and disinfected is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163,089. There is one proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001 1-299697.

[0013] However, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus disclosed in the above publication, it is determined whether or not a pipe line in the endoscope is appropriately cleaned by a flow rate sensor provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. Therefore, it is determined based on the detected flow rate value. Therefore, such an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus is Since a sensor is provided for detecting an unclean dirt, dirt in a conduit in the endoscope cannot be detected at the time of washing or the like.

Disclosure of the invention

Means for solving the problem

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is an operation unit that can cope with a case where an operation unit such as a bending operation or an air / water switch is provided in an operation unit without lowering the observation function. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope having good workability.

[0015] The present invention relates to an insertion section to be inserted into a subject, an operation section provided at a rear end of the insertion section, imaging means provided in the operation section, for taking a subject image, and the operation section. Control processing means for controlling a predetermined function of the control unit, a signal circuit extending from the control processing means, and a tube unit provided in the operation unit and through which at least one conduit is passed, in a detachable manner. And a connection unit that is connectable.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing each example of a data communication form in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a more detailed configuration of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a specific external shape around an AWS unit in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where a detachable AWS adapter is attached to and detached from an AWS unit in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a control device and an AWS unit and a structure of a connection portion of a scope connector in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a structure of an AWS adapter in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a part of internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment in a see-through manner. [10] An external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a conductive polymer artificial muscle used for an endoscope in the endoscope system of the first embodiment, and a diagram showing a distortion amount.

[11] A front view showing a track ball provided in an operation section of the endoscope in the endoscope system of the first embodiment and a peripheral portion thereof.

[12] FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a connection portion between the operation unit of the endoscope and the tube guide in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a main electrical configuration of an endoscope system control device in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an AWS unit in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a typical display example of a monitor display surface of the observation monitor and a specific example of menu display in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation content of a start process of an AWS unit in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

[18] A flowchart showing the operation contents of the endoscope start-up process in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

[19] A flowchart showing the operation contents of an imaging control process in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation content of an air / water supply control process in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a control process of an angle operation in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

[22] A flow chart showing a control operation for a hardness varying operation in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

[23] FIG. 23 is an operation explanatory view showing a setting operation of a hardness variable and an UPD image corresponding to the operation in the endoscope system of the first embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of human interface processing on the endoscope side in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of human interface processing on the endoscope system control device side in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

[26] An external perspective view showing a configuration of a modification of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment. [27] FIG. 27 is a side view showing a part of the internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention as seen through.

FIG. 28 is an essential part perspective view showing a transparency sensor of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an endoscope in the endoscope system according to the second embodiment.

[30] FIG. 30 is a side view showing a part of the internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the third embodiment of the present invention as seen through.

[31] FIG. 31 is a side view in which some of the internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are seen through.

FIG. 32 is a side view of a main part showing a configuration of a battery unit and peripheral parts of the endoscope in the endoscope system of the fourth embodiment, and an electric circuit showing the configuration of a charging unit related to the battery unit. circuit diagram.

[33] FIG. 33 is a side view in which some of the internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are seen through.

[34] FIG. 34 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a configuration of a distal end side of an insertion portion of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope optical pressing amount detecting means in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an endoscope in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a control process of an angle operation of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 38 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a configuration of a distal end side of an insertion portion of an endoscope in an endoscope system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the configuration of the endoscope insertion section distal end side in the endoscope system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a second modification of the configuration of the distal end side of the endoscope insertion section in the endoscope system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a second modification of the configuration of the endoscope insertion section distal end side in the endoscope system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part, showing a cross section taken along line DD ′ in FIG.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an endoscope system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing a specific external shape of the periphery of the AWS unit in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a side view showing a part of internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment in a see-through manner.

FIG. 46 is a view showing a specific external shape and the like of an endoscope in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a view showing the configuration and operation of a transparency sensor of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an endoscope in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view showing a modified AWS unit in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment, showing a state in which an electromagnetic valve unit is attached and detached, and an AWS unit in a detached state.

FIG. 50 is a view showing the structure of an electromagnetic valve unit in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Before describing a specific configuration of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a schematic configuration of the endoscope system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating data communication in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing each example of the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 includes a flexible endoscope (also referred to as a scope) 3 that is inserted into a body cavity of a patient (not shown) lying on an examination bed 2 and performs endoscopy. An air supply / water supply / suction unit (hereinafter abbreviated as AWS unit) 4 having an air supply, water supply and suction function to which the endoscope 3 is connected, and an image pickup device built in the endoscope 3 , A part of signal processing for the endoscope 3, an endoscope system controller 5 responsible for a part of control processing for various operation means provided in the endoscope 3, and an image generated by the endoscope system controller 5. And an observation monitor 6 such as a liquid crystal monitor for displaying signals.

The endoscope system 1 is connected to an image recording unit 7 generated by the endoscope system controller 5, for example, for filing digital video signals, etc., and an AWS unit 4. When a shape detection coil (hereinafter abbreviated as UPD coil) is built in the insertion part, the position of each UPD coil is detected and endoscoped by receiving the signal of the electromagnetic field generated by the UPD coil. It has an UPD coil unit 8 for displaying the shape of the entrance of the mirror 3.

Further, the image recording unit 7 is connected to a LAN 9 in a hospital where the endoscope system 1 is provided, and is connected to the image recording unit 7 by terminal devices connected to the LAN 9 by wire or wirelessly. It is possible to refer to the image that has been filed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the AWS unit 4 and the endoscope system control device 5 transmit and receive predetermined information wirelessly. In FIG. 1, the endoscope 3 is connected to the AWS unit 4 by a cable. However, the endoscope 3 may transmit and receive information wirelessly (bidirectional transmission). Further, the endoscope system control device 5 may directly transmit and receive information to and from the endoscope 3 by wireless.

Fig. 2 (A)-Fig. 2 (C) shows three systems in the transmission / reception unit (communication unit) that transmits and receives data between units and devices in the endoscope system 1, or between the endoscope 3 and the unit or device. Is shown. In Figure 2 (A), AWS Unit 4 and the endoscope system The case of the control device 5 will be described.

FIG. 2A shows a wireless system, in which a data communication control unit 11 built in the AWS unit 4 modulates the data via a data transmission unit 12 and wirelessly transmits an endoscope system control device 5 from an antenna unit 13. Send to

In addition, the AWS unit 4 receives data transmitted wirelessly by the endoscope system control device 5 by the antenna unit 13, demodulates the data by the data reception unit 14, and sends the data to the data communication control unit 11. In the present embodiment, when data is transmitted by a wireless method, a wireless LAN having a maximum data communication speed of 54 Mbps is formed according to, for example, the IEEE802.lg standard.

FIG. 2 (B) shows a wired system, and as a specific example, a case where data transmission / reception is performed between the endoscope 3 and the AWS unit 4 will be described. The data communication control unit 11 built in the endoscope 3 transmits the data to the AWS unit 4 by wire from the electrical connector 15 via the data transmission unit 12 '. The data transmitted from the AWS unit 4 is sent to the data communication control unit 11 via the electrical connector 15 and the data receiving unit 14 '.

FIG. 2 (C) shows an optical communication method, and a specific example will be described in which data transmission and reception are performed between the AWS unit 4 and the endoscope system control device 5. The data communication control unit 11 built in the AWS unit 4 is connected to the optical communication coupler 16 provided in the AWS unit 4 via a data transmission unit 12〃 that performs transmission and reception for optical communication and a data reception unit 14. Data is transmitted and received via the optical communication power bra on the endoscope system control device 5 side.

As shown in FIG. 3, the endoscope 3 is a tube unit 19 having one end connected to the endoscope main body 18 so as to be attachable and detachable, and the other end connected to the AWS unit 4. And

The endoscope main body 18 has a flexible insertion portion 21 inserted into a body cavity, and an operation portion 22 provided at a rear end of the insertion portion 21.

The operation section 22 has a grip section 68, and a control circuit 57 for controlling a part of various operations and the like in the operation section 22 is provided inside the grip section 68. A predetermined power supply line and signal line extend from the control circuit 57.

A predetermined tube extending from the insertion section 21 is provided in the operation section 22. Further, a connector section 51 connected to the general connector section 52 of the tube unit 19 is provided on the operation section 22 of the endoscope main body 18.

On the other hand, the tube unit 19 is provided at one end with a general connector section 52 connected to the connector section 51, and can be connected to the connector section 51 in a characteristic connection state. Further, a scope connector 41 is provided at the other end, and can be connected to the AWS unit 4.

[0028] Further, inside the tube unit 19, a plurality of predetermined tubes, electric wires, and signal wires specific to the endoscope apparatus are provided.

[0029] As described above, the endoscope body 18 and the tube unit 19 are connected by the connector portion 51 and the general connector portion 52. They are mechanically connected to each other, and the power supply line and the signal line are connected by so-called electromagnetic coupling.

In the present embodiment, as the tube unit 19, a disposable tube having a smaller diameter than a conventional universal cable is used.

The endoscope 3 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 9, including the connection between the connector unit 51 and the general connector unit 52 that can be connected in a characteristic connection state.

[0032] In addition, an imaging unit using a CCD 25 whose gain is variable inside the imaging device is arranged at the distal end portion 24 of the insertion section 21 as an imaging device. The tip 24 has a tip

There is provided a contact sensor 142 for detecting a state in which 24 contacts (presses) an inner wall or the like in a body cavity.

Further, a bending portion 27 that can be bent with a small amount of force is provided at a rear end of the distal end portion 24, and the bending portion 27 is bent by operating an angle / remote controller 28 provided on the operation portion 22. can do. The angle / remote control 28 includes an angle operation (bending operation), an operation for air / water supply, suction, and the like, and a remote control operation for the endoscope system controller 5 (specifically, a freeze instruction operation, a release operation, Remote control operation etc. can be performed as an instruction operation). Further, the insertion portion 21 is formed with a portion having a variable hardness so that insertion can be performed more smoothly. In addition, a cleaning level detecting section 29 is provided in the insertion section 21 so as to be able to detect a cleaning level of the pipeline.

Next, a more specific configuration of the endoscope system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a more detailed configuration of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a specific external shape of the periphery of the AWS unit in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the AWS in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where a detachable AWS adapter is attached to and detached from the unit, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the control device and the AWS unit and the scope connector of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a connection unit, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an AWS adapter in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

An observation monitor 6 constituted by a liquid crystal monitor or the like is arranged adjacent to the side surface of the inspection bed 2, and is placed on a cart 31 movably arranged near one end of the inspection bed 2 in the longitudinal direction. The endoscope system control unit 5, AWS unit 4, image file ZLANZ electric mesh Z ultrasonic unit (image file unit, wireless LAN or wired LAN, electric scalpel device, ultrasonic unit, etc. Notation) 32 is arranged, and a monitor 33 with a touch panel is arranged at the top.

[0035] A UPD coil unit 8 is embedded in the upper surface of the examination bed 2 where the patient lies. The UPD coil unit 8 is connected to the AWS unit 4 by a UPD cable 34.

In the present embodiment, the AWS unit 4 and the endoscope system control device 5 transmit and receive data by wireless transmitting and receiving units 77 and 101, for example, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the observation monitor 6 is connected to a motor connector of the endoscope system control device 5 by a monitor cable 35.

As shown in FIG. 4, transmission / reception units 101 and 36 are attached to the endoscope system control device 5 and the observation monitor 6, respectively, and the image signal is transmitted from the endoscope system control device 5 to the observation monitor 6. May be transmitted so that the endoscope images corresponding to the video signals can be displayed on the display surface. As will be described later, the endoscope system controller 5 has the AWS unit 4 side force together with the image data captured by the CCD 25 and the insertion part shape of the endoscope 3 detected using the UPD coil unit 8 (UPD image) Therefore, the endoscope system controller 5 can send a video signal corresponding to the image data to the observation monitor 6 and display the UPD image together with the endoscope image on the display surface. Like that.

[0038] The observation monitor 6 is configured by a high-resolution TV (HDTV) monitor so that a plurality of types of images can be simultaneously displayed on the display surface.

In the present embodiment, a storage recess is formed at one end of the inspection bed 2 in the longitudinal direction and at a position below the storage bed, and the tray transport trolley 38 is slidable in the storage recess. It can be stored in. A scope tray 39 in which the endoscope 3 shown in FIG. 9 is stored is placed on the upper part of the tray transport trolley 38.

Then, the scope tray 39 containing the sterilized or disinfected endoscope 3 can be transported by the tray transport trolley 38 and can be stored in the storage recess of the inspection bed 2. The operator can pull out the endoscope 3 from the scope tray 39 and use it for endoscopy, and store it in the scope tray 39 again after the endoscope inspection. After that, the scope tray 39 containing the used endoscope 3 is transported by the tray transport trolley 38, so that sterilization or disinfection can be performed smoothly.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the AWS unit 4 is provided with a scope connector 40. Then, a scope connector 41 (of the endoscope 3) is detachably connected to the scope connector 40 as shown in FIG.

In this case, FIGS. 5 and 6 show more specific external shapes of the scope connector 40 on the AWS unit 4 side.

FIG. 7 shows the structure of an AWS adapter 42 detachably attached to the scope connector 40 of the AWS unit 4. FIG. 8 shows the scope connector 40 of the AWS unit 4 and the scope of the endoscope 3. The internal structure of the connector 41 is shown in a connected state.

Actually, as shown in Fig. 6 (B), the AWS unit 4 has a recessed AWS adapter mounting part 40a on the front face, and the AWS adapter mounting part 40a has the AWS adapter shown in Fig. 7 By attaching an adapter (pipe connection adapter) 42, the scope connector 40 The scope connector 40 of the endoscope 3 is connected to the scope connector 40.

[0041] The AWS adapter mounting portion 40a is provided with an electrical connector 43 for connecting a scope, an air supply connector 44, and a pinch valve 45. The AWS adapter mounting portion 40a is located inside the AWS adapter 42. The end face is detachably attached, and the outer end face side force is connected to the scope connector 41 of the endoscope 3.

The details of the AWS adapter 42 are shown in FIG. Fig. 7 (A) is a front view of the AWS adapter 42, Figs. 7 (B) and 7 (C) are left and right side views, and Figs. 7 (D) and 7 (E) are those of Fig. 7 (A). AA 'and B-BZ sectional views are shown, respectively.

In the AWS adapter 42, a scope connector 41 is inserted into a concave portion 42a on the front surface thereof. In this case, an electric connector portion of the scope connector 41 is inserted into a through hole 42b provided in the concave portion, and the inside of the through hole 42b is inserted. Connected to the electrical connector 43 for scope connection provided in the AWS unit 4 facing the.

[0042] Further, an air / water supply connector 42c and a suction connector 42d are provided below the through hole 42b, and an air / water supply base 63 and a suction base 64 in the scope connector 41 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Are connected respectively.

The AWS adapter 42 has a concave portion 42f on the base end side for accommodating the pinch valve 45 protruding from the AWS adapter mounting portion 40a.

As shown in Fig. 7 (E), the air / water supply connector 42c provided on the AWS adapter 42 has an air supply port that connects to the air supply connector 44 of the AWS unit 4 by branching the internal pipeline communicating therewith. Gold 42e and water outlet 46 protruding sideways. In addition, the suction connector 42d has a suction pipe 47 that is bent sideways and protrudes from the side, and a relief pipe 47a that branches upward, for example. 47a is passed through the inside of the pinch valve 45 halfway, and the upper end is open.

[0043] When a suction pump (not shown) forming a suction means is set to a constantly operating state, the relief pipe line 47a is normally set to a released state by the pinch valve 45, and the suction operation is performed. In this case, the pinch valve 45 is driven. Then, the pinch knob 45 closes the relief pipeline 47a to stop the release, and the suction operation is performed. The water supply port 46 and the suction port 47 are respectively connected to the water supply tank 48 and the suction device (with the suction tank 49b inserted in the middle via the suction tube 49a) as shown in FIG. Connected. The water tank 48 is connected to the water tank connector 50 of the AWS unit 4. An operation panel 4a is provided on the front side of the AWS unit 4 above the scope connector 40.

Next, a specific configuration of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a part of internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment in a see-through manner. FIG. 9 is a view of the endoscope 3 as viewed from one side, and shows a main member provided in the endoscope by cutting off a part of a surface of a force.

As described in FIG. 3, the endoscope 3 according to the present embodiment includes an endoscope main body 18 having a flexible insertion portion 21 and an operation portion 22 provided at a rear end thereof. A tube unit 19 (for connecting the tube unit 19) to the connector unit 51 (for connecting the tube unit) provided near the base end (front end) of the operation unit 22 in the endoscope body 18 is detachably connected. In the embodiment, a disposable type is adopted).

The above-described scope connector 41 is detachably connected to the AWS unit 4 at the end of the tube unit 19.

The insertion portion 21 has a hard tip 24 provided at the tip of the insertion portion 21, a bendable bending portion 27 provided at the rear end of the tip 24, and a rear end of the bending portion 27. The force also has an elongate flexible portion (bend portion) 53 up to the operation portion 22. At a plurality of positions, specifically two portions, in the soft portion 53, the force expands and contracts by applying a voltage, and the hardness increases. The hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B, which are made of conductive polymer artificial muscle (abbreviated as EPAM), are also provided.

[0047] A light emitting diode (abbreviated as LED) 56, for example, is attached as illumination means inside the illumination window provided at the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 21, and the illumination light of the LED 56 is integrated with the LED 56. The light is emitted forward through an illumination lens attached to the camera, and illuminates the subject such as the affected part. The LED 56 may be an LED that generates white light, or may be red (R), green ( It is also possible to use an LED for R, an LED for G, and an LED for B that generate light of each wavelength range of G) and blue (B). The light emitting element forming the illumination means is not limited to the LED 56, and may be formed using an LD (laser diode) or the like.

[0048] Further, an objective lens (not shown) is attached to an observation window provided adjacent to the illumination window, and a CCD 25 having a built-in variable gain function is arranged at an image forming position to image a subject. An imaging means is formed. In the CCD 25 of the present embodiment, the function of changing the gain is built into the CCD element itself, and the gain of the CCD output signal can be easily changed to about several hundred times by the function of changing the gain. However, it tries to obtain a bright image with little decrease in S / N. Further, since the LED 56 has better luminous efficiency than the case of a lamp, the temperature rise near the LED 56 can be suppressed.

One end is connected to each of the LED 56 and the CCD 25, and the other end of the signal line passed through the insertion section 21 is connected to a control circuit 57 provided, for example, inside the operation section 22 and performing centralized control processing (aggregated control processing). It is connected.

A plurality of UPD coils 58 are arranged in the insertion section 21 at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a signal line connected to each UPD coil 58 is connected to a UPD coil drive unit provided in the operation section 22. It is connected to the control circuit 57 via 59.

[0049] Angle actuators 27a formed by arranging EPAMs in the longitudinal direction are arranged at four locations in the circumferential direction on the inner side of the outer skin of the curved portion 27! The angle actuator 27a and the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B are also connected to the control circuit 57 via signal lines, respectively.

The EPAM used for the angle actuator 27a and the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B is, for example, as shown in FIG. 10 (A), by attaching electrodes to both sides of a plate shape and applying a voltage, as shown in FIG. 10 (B). As shown in (1), it can be contracted in the thickness direction and elongated in the longitudinal direction. In this EPAM, as shown in FIG. 10 (C), for example, the amount of distortion can be varied in proportion to the square of the electric field strength E due to the applied voltage.

When used as an angle actuator 27a, it is formed in a wire shape or the like, one side is extended, and the other side is contracted. The curved portion 27 can be curved. In addition, the hardness can be varied by the extension or contraction, and the hardness varying actuators 54A and 54B can use the function to vary the hardness of the portion.

[0050] On the other hand, an air / water supply conduit 60a and a suction conduit 61a are inserted into the insertion portion 21.

The rear end of the air / water supply line 60a and the rear end of the suction-absorbing I line 6 la are extended to a line connector portion 51a formed at the open end of the connector portion 51. Open to part 51a!

[0051] On the other hand, the air / water supply line 60b and the suction line 61b are also inserted in the tube unit 19, and the rear ends of the air / water supply line 60b and the suction line 61b are the same as those described above. It extends to a tube connector portion 52a formed at an opening end of the connector portion 52, and opens at the tube connector portion 52a.

[0052] The suction conduit 61b is branched and opened to the outside in the tube connector 52a.

[0053] The conduit connector portion 51a of the connector portion 51 and the tube connector portion 52a of the integrated connector portion 52 are mechanically connected to each other when the integrated connector portion 52 is mounted on the connector portion 51. At this time, the open ends of the air / water supply line 60a and the suction line 61a are connected to the open ends of the air / water supply line 60b and the suction line 61b, respectively. The suction conduit 61a is connected to a suction conduit 61b inserted into the tube unit 19, and further allows a treatment tool such as a forceps, which is branched and opened to the outside in the tube connector 52a, to be inserted. Communication port (abbreviated as forceps port) 62 The forceps port 62 is closed by the forceps stopper 62a when not in use.

The rear ends of the air / water supply pipe 60b and the suction pipe 61b on the hand side serve as an air / water supply base 63 and a suction base 64 in the scope connector 41.

[0055] The air / water supply base 63 and the suction base 64 are connected to the air / water supply connector 42c and the suction connector 42d of the AWS adapter 42 shown in Figs. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, inside the AWS adapter 42, the air supply / water supply connector 42c branches into an air supply line and a water supply line. As shown in Fig. 8, the air supply line is connected to the air supply / water supply pump 65 inside the AWS unit 4 via the solenoid valve B1, and the water supply line is connected to the water supply tank 48. Is done. The water supply tank 48 is also connected to the air / water supply pump 65 on the way via the solenoid valve B2. The air / water supply pump 65 and the solenoid valves B1 and B2 are connected to the AWS control unit 66 by control lines (drive lines), and the opening and closing of the AWS control unit 66 are controlled to perform air supply and water supply. I can do it. The AWS control unit 66 also controls the suction operation by controlling the opening and closing of the pinch valve 45.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the operating section 22 of the endoscope main body 18 is provided with a grip section 68 which is gripped by an operator, and the periphery including the grip section 68 includes a release and a freeze. For example, three scope switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 for performing remote control operations (abbreviated as remote control operations) are provided along the longitudinal axis of the operation unit 22 and are connected to the control circuit 57, respectively. .

Further, the slope Sa formed on the upper surface of the operation unit 22 opposite to the position where the scope switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 are provided is located at a position where the operation can be performed by the hand holding the grip unit 68. A trackball 69 having a waterproof structure for performing an angle operation (bending operation) and setting other remote control operations by switching is provided.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a track ball provided in an operation section of the endoscope in the endoscope system of the first embodiment and a peripheral portion thereof, as viewed in the direction of arrow C in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, on both sides of the trackball 69 on the slope Sa, two scope switches SW4 and SW5 are symmetrical in the left and right direction on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the operation unit 22. Position. Normally, the functions of the air / water switch and the suction switch are assigned to the scope switches SW4 and SW5.

When the operation unit 22 of the endoscope 3 is viewed from the direction of the arrow C in FIG. 9 as the front, the trackball 69 is in the longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the operation unit 22 or the insertion unit 21. The two scope switches SW4 and SW5 are on the center line and are arranged symmetrically, and the scope switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 are arranged on the rear side along the center line.

As described above, since various operation means such as the trackball 69 are provided on the operation unit 22 symmetrically with respect to the central axis in the longitudinal direction, the operator grips the grip 68 of the operation unit 22. When operating, grasping with left hand and operating with grasping with right hand In this case, the same good operability should be ensured!

The trackball 69 and the scope switches SW4 and SW5 are also connected to the control circuit 57. The trackball 69 and the scope switches SW1 to SW5 correspond to the angle Z remote controller 28 shown in FIG.

Next, the connection relationship between the connector section 51 and the general connector section 52 that can be connected in a characteristic connection state in the endoscope 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 12.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a connection portion between the operation unit of the endoscope and the tube unit in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

[0061] One end of a power supply line 71a and one end of a signal line 71b are connected to the control circuit 57. The other end of the power supply line 71a and the other end of the signal line 71b are connected to the electromagnetic coupling connection portions 72a and 72b of the connector portion 51, respectively. On the other hand, a power supply line 73a and a signal line 73b pass through the tube unit 19, and one end of each of the power supply line 73a and the signal line 73b is provided with a power supply & signal contact at the scope connector 41. Connected to electrical connector 74. The other end of the power supply line 73a and the other end of the signal line 73b are connected to electromagnetic coupling connectors 72a and 72b in the integrated connector 52, respectively. Note that the electromagnetic coupling connection sections 72a and 72b on the connector section 51 side are referred to as a transmission unit 5 lb.

[0062] The electromagnetic coupling connection portions 72a and 72b supply electric power from the power supply line 73a to the power supply line 71a when the integrated connector portion 52 is mounted on the connector portion 51, without joining by a so-called metal electrode. In addition, signals can be transmitted and received between the signal line 71b and the signal line 73b.

That is, a primary coil Cla is disposed at the other end of the power supply line 73a in the tube unit 19, and a secondary coil Clb is disposed at the other end of the opposing power supply line 71a. The close proximity of these coils forms a transformer T1 that is electromagnetically coupled in a state where the magnetic flux leakage is small.

Similarly, a coil C2a is provided at the other end of the signal line 71b, and a coil C2b is provided at the other end of the opposing signal line 73b. Then, a transformer T2 that is electromagnetically coupled with a small amount of magnetic flux leakage due to the proximity of these coils is formed. The details will be described later.

[0065] The user connects the scope connector 41 to the AWS unit 4 to As shown, the power line 73a is connected to the power unit 75 via the electrical connector 43 of the AWS unit 4, and the signal line 73b is connected to the UPD unit 76 and the transmitting / receiving unit 77 (via the power unit 75) Connected to unit 66. The transmission / reception unit 77 is connected to an antenna for transmitting / receiving radio waves by radio.

The AC power supplied from the power supply unit 75 via the power supply line 73 a passed through the tube unit 19 is supplied to the primary side coil Cla in the connector section 52. A secondary coil Clb is disposed inside the outer case of the connector part 51, and the primary coil Cla and the secondary coil Clb are in close proximity to each other with little magnetic flux leakage and electromagnetically. Forming a binding trans T1.

By this electromagnetic coupling, the AC power supplied to the coil Cla is efficiently transmitted to the secondary coil Clb. The coil Clb is connected to a power supply circuit 78 in the control circuit 57, and the power supply circuit 78 generates DC power required on the control circuit 57 side.

The power supply circuit 78 converts the DC voltage rectified through the rectifying diode D and the smoothing capacitor into a DC voltage required for the operation of the control circuit 57 by, for example, the three-terminal power supply IC 79 and the smoothing capacitor. The signal is converted and supplied to the control circuit 57.

[0068] The signal line 71b (forming a common signal transmission means) connected to the control circuit 57 is connected to the coil C2a as described above, and the coil C2b, which is close to and opposed to the coil C2a, is a tube. It is connected to the signal line 73b passed through the unit 19. That is, almost in the same manner as in the case of the transformer T1, the transformer T2 that is electromagnetically coupled by the coils C2a and C2b is formed.

The signal on the signal line 7 lb side is also transmitted to the signal line 73b side via the coils C2a and C2b that are electromagnetically coupled, and also transmitted in the opposite direction.

In the present embodiment, as described in FIG. 13, the control circuit 57 is configured to centrally control or manage various kinds of operation means and image pickup means, so that the tube The number of electric signal lines passing through the unit 19 can be reduced. Further, even when the function provided to the endoscope 3 is changed, the signal line 73b in the tube unit 19 can be used without any change. That is, the signal line 73b To form a common signal transmission means for transmitting these signals in common.

As shown in FIG. 12, for example, adjacent to the transformer T2, the magnets Ml and M2 are arranged so that different magnetic poles are opposed to each other. Cla and Clb and coils C2a and C2b can be detachably mounted in close proximity to each other. Note that, instead of the magnets Ml and M2, the connector portions 51 and 52 may be provided with concave and convex portions for positioning by fitting each other.

As described above, the endoscope 3 according to the present embodiment makes the tube guide 19 detachable from the endoscope main body 18, and when the tube unit 19 is mounted on the endoscope main body 18, the endoscope 3 The transmission and reception of power and signals between the main body 18 and the tube unit 19 are performed by connection means that does not rely on the connection between metal electrodes.

A CCD 25 and an LED 56 are arranged at the tip 24 of the insertion section 21 shown in the lower part on the left side in FIG. 13, and a bending section 27 described above in the drawing has an angle actuator (this embodiment). In the embodiment, specifically, an EPAM) 27a and an encoder 27c are arranged!

Further, the flexible portion 53 includes a hardness variable actuator 54 and an encoder 54c (specifically, in this embodiment, the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B by EPAM are used. (Represented as representatives) are arranged. Further, an UPD coil 58 is arranged in the flexible portion 53.

Also, on the surface of the operation section 22 described above the flexible section 53 of the insertion section 21, a track ball 69, an air supply / water supply switch (SW4), a suction switch (SW5), and a scope switch (SW1-3) are provided. Will be placed. As will be described later, the trackball 69 is used for an angle operation, selection setting of other functions, and the like.

These components shown on the left side of FIG. 13 are connected to a control circuit 57 provided in the operation unit 22 shown on the right side of the operation unit 22 (the UPD coil drive unit 59 is in the operation unit 22) via a signal line. Performs drive control and signal processing of those functions.

The control circuit 57 has a state management unit 81 composed of a CPU or the like that manages a control state. The state management unit 81 is connected to a state holding memory 82 that holds (stores) the state of each unit. It is. This state holding memory 82 has a program storage memory 82a as control information storage means, and the components shown in FIG. 13 are changed by rewriting program data as control information stored in the program storage memory 82a. In this case as well, the state management unit 81 (the CPU constituting the state management unit 81) can perform control (management) corresponding to the changed configuration.

The state holding memory 82 or at least the program holding memory 82 a is composed of, for example, a non-volatile, electrically rewritable flash memory or EEPROM, and changes program data via the state management unit 81. Make it easy!

For example, a command for changing program data is sent to the state management unit 81 via the signal line 71b, that is, via the following wired transmission / reception unit 83, and the program data to be rewritten after the command is sent to the AWS. Unit 4 also sends the force to change program data. Also, version upgrades and the like can be easily performed via the signal line 71b.

In addition, it is also possible to write and hold the model information unique to each endoscope 3 and the individual information corresponding to the use status in the state holding memory 82 as described below so that the information can be effectively used. Specifically, the state holding memory 82 holds, for example, the model information of the endoscope 3 (for example, information on the type of the CCD 25, the length of the insertion section, etc.), and also varies depending on the usage state of the endoscope inspection or the like. Individual information of the endoscope 3 (for example, information such as use time (total use time of endoscopy or total use time), number of cleaning times, adjustment value, maintenance history, etc.) is retained, and this information is stored in the system. It is used for deciding operations and providing information to users.

Further, such information can be edited from outside such as the endoscope system control device 5 or a cleaning device (not shown).

In this way, by sharing and using the state holding memory 82 as the function of the conventional scope ID, the information (data) of the scope ID can be effectively used. Since there are 82, there is no need to provide a separate scope ID, it can be more advanced than the existing scope ID, and it is possible to perform more detailed appropriate setting, adjustment, management, processing, etc. . Further, the state management unit 81 is connected to a wired transmission / reception unit 83 (in this embodiment) that performs wired communication with the AWS unit 4 (this transmission / reception unit 83 is configured as shown in FIG. 2 (B) 2 (B), the electrical connectors 15 are electromagnetic coupling connectors 72a and 72b in the operation unit 22, and the tube unit 19 At the end is an electrical connector 74).

The state management unit 81 controls an LED drive unit 85 controlled by the illumination control unit 84 via an illumination control unit 84 that controls illumination. The LED driving section 85 applies an LED driving signal for causing the LED 56 serving as a lighting means to emit light to the LED 56.

By the light emission of the LED 56, the illuminated subject such as the affected part is imaged by the objective lens (not shown) attached to the observation window onto the imaging surface of the CCD 25 arranged at the image forming position, and photoelectrically converted by the CCD 25. You.

The CCD 25 outputs a signal charge that has been photoelectrically converted and accumulated as an imaging signal by applying a CCD drive signal from a CCD drive unit 86 controlled by the state management unit 81. The image signal is converted into a digital signal by an AZD converter (abbreviated as ADC) 87 and then input to the state management unit 81, and the digital signal (image data) is stored in the image memory 88. . The image data of the image memory 88 is sent to the data transmission section 1 ^ of the transmission / reception unit 83.

Then, the signal is transmitted from the electrical connector 15 (the transmission unit 51b in the present embodiment) to the AWS unit 4 via the signal line 73b in the tube unit 19. Further, the data is transmitted from the AWS unit 4 to the endoscope system controller 5 by radio. The output signal of the ADC 87 is sent to the brightness detection unit 89, and information on the brightness of the image detected by the brightness detection unit 89 is sent to the state management unit 81. Based on this information, the state management unit 81 performs dimming control via the illumination control unit 84 so that the amount of illumination by the LED 56 becomes appropriate.

Further, the state management unit 81 controls an actuator driving unit 92 via an angle control unit 91, and manages driving of the angle actuator (EPAM) 27a by the actuator driving unit 92. The drive amount of the angle actuator (EPAM) 27a is detected by the encoder 27c, and is controlled so that the drive amount matches a value corresponding to the indicated value. Further, the state management unit 81 controls the actuator driving unit 94 via the hardness varying control unit 93, and manages driving of the hardness varying actuator 54 by the actuator driving unit 94. The drive amount of the hardness variable actuator 54 is detected by the encoder 54c, and is controlled so that the drive amount becomes a value corresponding to the indicated value.

Further, an operation signal corresponding to the operation amount of the trackball 69 provided on the operation unit 22 is input to the state management unit 81 via the trackball displacement detection unit 95. Further, a switch press operation such as an ON operation by the air / water supply switch, suction switch, and scope switch is detected by the switch press detection unit 96, and the detected information is input to the state management unit 81. EPAM has a characteristic of generating an electromotive force by deformation due to an external force, and an EPAM arranged on the opposite side of a driving EPAM may be used as an encoder.

The control circuit 57 includes a power transmission / reception unit 97 and a power generation unit 98. The power transmission / reception unit 97 is, specifically, the electromagnetic coupling connection unit 72a in the operation unit 22. Then, the AC power transmitted to the power generation unit 98 is converted into a DC power in the power generation unit 98. This power generation section 98 corresponds to the power supply circuit 78 in FIG. The DC power generated by the power generation unit 98 supplies power required for its operation to each unit in the control circuit 57.

FIG. 14 shows an internal configuration of the transmission / reception unit 101 and the image processing unit 116 of FIG. 8 in the endoscope system control device 5.

The endoscope system control device 5 has, for example, a transmission / reception cut 101 of a wireless system. The data such as image signals transmitted wirelessly by the AWS unit 4 is taken in by the antenna unit 13, sent to the data receiving unit 14, amplified, and demodulated. The operation of the data receiving unit 14 is controlled by the data communication control unit 11, and the received data is sequentially stored in the buffer memory 102.

The image data in the buffer memory 102 is sent to an image processing unit 103 that processes the image data. The image processing unit 103 receives, in addition to the image data from the buffer memory 102, character information from a character generation unit 105 that generates character information by key input of a keyboard 104, and superimposes the character information on the image data. You can impose.

[0081] The image processing unit 103 sends the input image data and the like to the image memory control unit 106. The image data and the like are temporarily stored in the image memory 107 via the image memory control unit 106 and are also recorded on the recording medium 158.

Further, the image memory control unit 106 reads out the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 107 and sends it to the digital encoder 108. The digital encoder 108 encodes the image data into a predetermined video format, and Output to 109). This DAC 109 converts a digital video signal into an analog video signal. The analog video signal is further output from the video output terminal to the observation monitor 6 via the line driver 110, and an image corresponding to the video signal is displayed on the observation monitor 6.

The image data temporarily stored in the image memory 107 is read out and input to the DV data generating unit 111, where the DV data is generated by the DV data generating unit 111, and the DV data output terminal DV data is output. Is output.

Further, the endoscope system control device 5 is provided with a video input terminal and a DV data input terminal, and the video signal to which the power of the video input terminal is also input is digitally transmitted through the line receiver 112 and the ADC 113. The converted video signal is demodulated by the digital decoder 114 and input to the image memory control unit 106.

Further, the image data is extracted (decoded) by the image data extraction unit 115 from the DV data input to the DV data input terminal, and is input to the image memory control unit 106.

The image memory control unit 106 also temporarily stores the video signal (image data) to which the video input terminal or the DV data input terminal is also input in the image memory 107, records it in the recording medium 158, or For example, output to the observation monitor 6 from the video output terminal.

In the present embodiment, the AWS unit 4 side wirelessly inputs the image data captured by the CCD 25 of the endoscope 3 and the UPD image data generated by the UPD unit 76 to the endoscope system controller 5. Then, the endoscope system control device 5 converts these image data into a predetermined video signal and outputs it to the observation monitor 6. Note that the endoscope system control device 5 may receive the UPD coil position data instead of the UPD image data, and generate the UPD image data in the image processing unit 103.

FIG. 15 shows the internal configuration of AWS Unit 4.

Image data input from control circuit 57 of endoscope 3 to electrical connector 43 for scope And operation data of the switches and the like are output to the data communication control unit 11 of the transmission / reception unit 77 and transmitted from the antenna unit 13 to the antenna unit 13 of the endoscope system control device 5 together with the UPD image data from the UPD unit 76. I do.

On the other hand, AWS-related information such as the operation of the air supply / water supply switch and the suction switch provided on the operation unit 22 of the endoscope 3 is also sent to the air supply / water supply control unit 122, and this air supply / water supply control unit 122 The operation of the pump 65 and the solenoid valve unit 124 is controlled in accordance with the received information. The air valve / water supply tube 60b, 61b is connected to the electromagnetic valve unit 124 via the AWS adapter 42. The water supply tank 48 is connected to the solenoid valve unit 124 and the AWS adapter 42, and the suction tank 49b is connected to the AWS adapter 42.

[0084] Further, commercial power is supplied to the AWS unit 4, and the commercial power is sent to the power transmission output unit 127 via the insulating transformer 126. The power transmission output section 127 supplies AC power insulated from commercial power from the electric connector 43 to the power line 73a of the endoscope 3 connected to the electric connector 43.

The power transmission output of the power transmission output unit 127 is controlled by a power transmission control unit 128 connected to the data communication control unit 11.

In the endoscope system 1 provided with the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, various images are displayed on the observation monitor 6 as shown in FIG. 16A, for example. In this case, in addition to the information display area Rj for displaying patient information, etc., the endoscope image display area Ri, the UPD image display area Ru, the freeze image display area Rf, and the angle display area Ra, the menu display area Rm is provided, and a menu is displayed in the menu display area Rm. The under-shaped display area Ra detects the amount of angle operation of the angle actuator 27a by the encoder coder 27c, and displays the angle shape in that case.

As the menu displayed in the menu display area Rm, the main menu shown in FIG. 16B is displayed. This main menu includes the scope switch, angle sensitivity, insertion section hardness, zoom, image enhancement, and air volume, as well as an instruction to return to the previous menu screen. The item is displayed.

Then, when the user moves and selects the selection frame to the item of the scope switch by operating the trackball 69 or the like, the frame of the item of the scope switch is displayed in bold and selected. Then, by pressing the trackball 69 and performing a decision operation, the functions assigned to the five scope switches SW1 to SW5 can be selectively set as shown in FIG. 16 (C).

Next, the operation of the endoscope system 1 having such a configuration will be described.

As a preparation for performing the endoscope inspection, first, the general connector section 52 of the disposable tube unit 19 is connected to the connector section 51 of the operation section 22 of the endoscope body 18. In this case, the transformers Tl and T2 forming the electromagnetic coupling connection sections 72a and 72b are electromagnetically connected to each other in an insulated and waterproof state. With this connection, the preparation of the endoscope 3 is completed.

Next, the scope connector 41 of the tube unit 19 is connected to the connector 43 of the AWS unit 4. In this part, various conduits, power lines, signal lines, and optical connections are completed in one connection operation by one-touch connection. Unlike the conventional endoscope system, it is not necessary to connect various conduits and electrical connectors each time.

Further, the user connects the AWS unit 4 to the UPD coil unit 8 and connects the endoscope system control device 5 to the observation monitor 6. In addition, if necessary, the endoscope system control device 5 is connected to the image recording unit 7 or the like, thereby completing the setup of the endoscope system 1.

Next, the power of the AWS unit 4 and the endoscope system control device 5 is turned on. Then, each unit in the AWS unit 4 is activated, and the power supply unit 75 can supply power to the endoscope 3 via the power supply line 73a and the like.

The operation at the time of starting the AWS unit 4 and the endoscope 3 in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 17 and FIG.

[0090] When the power transmission control unit 128 in the power supply unit 75 of the AWS unit 4 shown in Fig. 15 starts the start-up processing, as shown in Fig. 17, in the first step S1, the state of the power transmission output unit 127 is changed. To stop the power supply, that is, turn off the power supply.

Then, in step S2, after the monitoring timer is turned on, the state of the power transmission output unit 127 is supplied with power, that is, the power supply is turned on, as shown in step S3. When the power transmission output unit 127 is in a state of supplying power, the power is transmitted to the tube unit. AC power is supplied to the power generation unit 98 in the control circuit 57 of the operation unit 22 via the power supply line 73a in the switch 19 and further via the electromagnetic coupling connection unit 72a.

Thereafter, as shown in step S4, the power transmission control unit 128 enters a state of waiting for reception of a start message from the endoscope 3 via the signal line 73b in the tube unit 19. Then, when the power transmission control unit 128 does not receive the activation message, the power transmission control unit 128 determines whether the monitoring timer has expired as shown in step S5, and if not, returns to step S4. If the time has expired, the process returns to the first step S1.

[0091] On the other hand, when the activation message is received before the timeout in step S4, the power transmission control unit 128 turns off the time measurement of the monitoring timer as shown in step S6. Then, a continuation message is issued as shown in step S7, and the activation process ends.

On the other hand, the control circuit 57 of the endoscope 3 is supplied with AC power to the power generation unit 98, so that the power required for the operation in the control circuit 57 is supplied, and the start process is started. Then, the state management unit 81 shown in FIG. 13 waits for the power supply voltage of the power generation unit 98 to stabilize in the first step S11.

Then, when the power supply voltage is stabilized, in the next step S12, the state management unit 81 performs system initialization of each unit of the control circuit 57. After the system initialization, as shown in step S13, the state management unit 81 transmits a start message to the power transmission control unit 128 via the transmission / reception unit 83 and further via the signal line 73b in the tube unit 19.

[0092] After transmitting the start message, as shown in step S14, the state management unit 81 enters a state of waiting for a continuation message to be received by the power transmission control unit 128, and receives the continuation message. Then, the startup processing ends. On the other hand, if the continuation message is not received, as shown in step S15, the state management unit 81 proceeds to step S15 if the retry end condition (for example, the condition of the preset number of retry) is not reached. Return to step 13, issue a start message again, and terminate with an error if the retry end condition is met. When the start-up process ends normally, imaging by the CCD 25 starts, and the user can perform air / water feeding, suction, an angle operation, a hardness varying operation, and the like using the operation unit of the operation unit 22. Representative processing operations relating to these will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 shows the operation contents of the imaging control processing.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the imaging process starts, the endoscope 3 acquires imaging data as shown in step S21. Specifically, under the control (control) of the state management unit 81, the LED 56 emits light, the CCD driving unit 86 starts the operation of driving the CCD 25, and the imaging signal captured by the CCD 25 is digitally converted by the ADC 87. It is converted into a signal (imaging data). The image data (image data) is sequentially stored in the image memory 88, and the image data is obtained.

The acquired image data is sequentially transmitted as shown in step S22. The image data read from the image memory 88 is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 83 to the AWS unit 4 by wire, and is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 77 of the AWS unit 4 to the endoscope system control device 5 wirelessly. The video signal is converted into a video signal inside the endoscope system control device 5 and displayed on the observation monitor 6.

The image data of the ADC 87 is input to the brightness detector 89. As shown in step S23, the brightness detecting unit 89 detects the brightness of the image data by calculating an average value of the luminance data of the image data at an appropriate time.

The detection data of the brightness detection unit 89 is input to, for example, the state management unit 81, and it is determined whether or not the designated brightness power is present (step S24). Then, when the brightness is the designated brightness, the imaging process ends, and the process proceeds to the next imaging process.

On the other hand, in step S24, when the state management unit 81 determines that the brightness is not the designated brightness, it sends an instruction signal (control signal) for adjusting the illumination light to the illumination control unit 84 as shown in step S25. The illumination control unit 84 adjusts the amount of illumination light. For example, the illumination control unit 84 adjusts the amount of illumination by increasing or decreasing the drive current for causing the LED 56 to emit light. The lighting control unit 84 returns the adjustment result to the state management unit 81.

Therefore, the state management unit 81 determines whether or not the brightness is within the brightness adjustment range possible by the illumination control unit 84 based on the information on the adjustment result. Then, when the brightness control by the illumination control unit 84 has succeeded, the imaging process control ends without performing the process of step S27. On the other hand, if it is out of the brightness adjustment range by the illumination control unit 84, as shown in step S27. The state management unit 81 outputs a CCD gain adjustment signal to the CCD drive unit 86 and adjusts the gain of the CCD 25 to adjust the brightness of the imaging data. Then, the imaging process ends.

Next, the air / water supply processing of FIG. 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, normally, the functions of the air supply / water supply switch and the suction switch are assigned to both sides of the trackball 69 in the operation unit 22.

When the air / water supply processing is started, the state management unit 81 of the control circuit 57 acquires the state data of the air / water supply switch as shown in step S31 of FIG.

[0096] The operation of the air / water supply switch is detected by the switch press detection unit 96 shown in Fig. 13 and information on the detection result is input. Acquires status data.

Then, as shown in step S32, the state management unit 81 determines a change in the state of the air / water switch. When it is determined in step S32 that the state of the air / water switch has been changed, as shown in step S33, the state management unit 81 transmits the air / water switch corresponding to the instruction of the air / water switch operated by the user. The control data is transmitted to the AWS unit 4 via the transmission / reception unit 83.

The air / water control unit 122 in the AWS unit 4 controls the pump 65 and the solenoid valve unit 124 in accordance with the air / water control data. Then, the air supply / water supply processing operation ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that there is no change in the state of the air / water switch, the air / water processing operation without performing the processing in step S33 is ended. Note that the suction process is almost the same as the air supply / water supply process, and thus the process is omitted.

Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the processing of the angle operation control will be described. When the angle control process starts, the state management unit 81 determines whether or not the angle control is effective, as shown in step S41.

In the present embodiment, the state management section 81 determines whether or not the angle control is valid, as shown in step S41, based on whether or not the trackball 69 is pressed against the trackball 69. Specifically, the state management unit 81 From the output, the displacement operation and the pressing operation of the trackball 69 can be detected. When the trackball 69 is pressed, the angle control is turned off.

The state management unit 81 determines whether or not the angle control is valid based on the output of the trackball displacement detection unit 95.

[0098] When it is determined that the angle control is not valid, the process proceeds to step S45, and the previous command value is held. On the other hand, when it is determined that the angle control is valid, the process proceeds to the next step S42, and the state management unit 81 acquires the state data by operating the trackball 69. Then, in the next step S43, the state management section 81 determines whether or not there is a further state change based on the output of the trackball displacement detection section 95.

[0099] In this case, when the state management unit 81 determines that there is no state change, the process proceeds to step S45. Conversely, when the state management unit 81 determines that there is a state change, in the next step S44, the track ball 69 The command value corresponding to the rotation direction and the rotation amount is calculated.

After the processing in step S44 or S45, as shown in step S46, the state management unit 81 sends the command value to the actuator driving unit 92 via the angle control unit 91, and performs servo processing on the angle actuator.

[0101] In other words, the actuator drive unit 92 drives the angle actuator based on the command value so as to be in an under state (curved angle) corresponding to the command value. At this time, the angle state of the angle actuator is detected by the encoder, and the actuator driving unit 92 drives the angle actuator so that the value detected by the encoder matches the command value. Thus, the angle control process ends.

FIG. 21 also shows the processing operation (steps S47 and S48) when the contact sensor described in the second embodiment is provided in the servo processing in step S46. The processing in step S47 and step S48 will be described in the second embodiment.

Next, with reference to FIG. 22, a description will be given of the control processing of the hardness changing operation. This control process basically performs the same control process as FIG.

When the control process of the variable hardness operation starts, the state management unit 81 determines whether the variable hardness control is effective or not, as shown in step S51.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16 (B), the insertion part hardness is Assigned to switches SW1 to SW5, the state management unit 81 determines whether or not the scope switch of the insertion portion hardness has been pressed and activated. Then, when the state management unit 81 determines that the hardness variable control is not valid, the process proceeds to step S55, and holds the previous command value. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hardness variable control is valid, the process proceeds to the next step S52, where the state management unit 81 acquires the state data by operating the trackball 69.

[0103] Then, in the next step S53, the state management section 81 determines whether or not there is a further state change based on the output of the trackball displacement detection section 95.

In this case, if the state management unit 81 determines that there is no state change, the process proceeds to step S55. Conversely, if it determines that there is a state change, in the next step S54, the rotation direction of the trackball 69 is changed. , A command value corresponding to the rotation amount is calculated.

After the processing in step S54 or S55, as shown in step S56, the state management unit 81 sends the command value to the actuator driving unit 94 via the hardness varying control unit 93, and the hardness varying actuator 54A or! Servos 54B.

That is, the actuator driving unit 94 drives the hardness varying actuator 54A or 54B based on the command value so as to attain the target hardness corresponding to the command value. At this time, the hardness changing state of the hardness changing actuator 54A or 54B is detected by the encoder 54c, and the actuator driving unit 94 controls the hardness changing actuator 54A or 54A so that the value detected by the encoder 54c reaches the target hardness. Drive 54B.

In step S57 during the execution of such servo processing, the hardness variable control section 93 or the state management section 81 determines whether or not the actuator is in the variable range of the hardness variable actuator 54A or 54B by the actuator driving section 94. A determination is made, and if it deviates from this variable range, the process of the hardness variable control ends.

[0107] Further, in step S57, if the hardness is within the variable range of the hardness variable actuator 54A or 54B, in the next step S58, the hardness variable control section 93 or the state management section 81 outputs the force reaching the target hardness. A determination is made as to whether or not the target hardness has been reached, and the flow returns to step S56 to continue the servo processing. In this way, when the target hardness has been reached, the hardness variable control process is terminated. [0108] Further, the UPD unit 76 detects the position of the UPD coil 58 disposed inside the insertion section 21 of the endoscope 3 by the UPD coil unit 8, calculates the insertion shape of the insertion section 21, The shape of the insertion part, that is, the UPD image, is displayed on the display screen of the observation monitor 6.

[0109] Figs. 23 (A) and 1 (D) show the menu screen on the right side and the UPD image on the left side in a corresponding state, respectively. The user force S menu screen allows the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B to be displayed. When the hardness is selected and set, the hardness of the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B provided at a plurality of locations (two locations in the specific example) is displayed in a color corresponding to the set hardness. This shows how identification is facilitated.

FIG. 23 (A) shows the display state of the main menu, and shows that the user selects the variable insertion part hardness in this display state. In this case, the UPD image is displayed immediately before the variable insertion portion hardness is selected, so that the sections A and B of the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B are displayed without being distinguished from the sections other than the sections A and B. You.

When the variable insertion portion hardness is selected as shown in FIG. 23 (B), the section ranges of the hardness set for the sections A and B of the two hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B are shown. In the sections A and B, the hardness setting screen is displayed as to whether the hardness is set to (soft! /,) Soft state, hard /! / In the hard state, or the deviation hardness. The current hardness position is indicated by a circle. It is. In this case, the colors are displayed in different display colors from soft to hard.

[0112] Therefore, the corresponding UPD image is displayed in a color corresponding to the hardness for which the hardness variable factor is set, and the portion of the hardness variable factor is displayed in color. In the state shown in Fig. 23 (B), the hardness section is set to a state close to soft, and in this case, the sections A and B of the hardness varying actuators 54A and 54B in the UPD image are displayed in yellow. .

[0113] Fig. 23 (C) shows a case where the hardness of section B of the hardness varying actuator 54B is set to a hardness near the center in the state of Fig. 23 (B), and the UPD image in this case is shown. The section B of the hardness variable actuator 54B in is displayed in green.

Further, FIG. 23 (D) shows that, for example, in the state shown in FIG. 23 (B) or FIG. 23 (C), the hardness in section B of the hardness variable actuator 54B is set to the hardness (hard value). In this case, B of the hardness variable actuator 54B in the UPD image is Displayed in blue.

[0115] By displaying in this manner, the user can freely set the hardness of the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B, and set the sections A and B of the set hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B. Since the display is performed in the display color corresponding to the hardness, the user can easily identify the hardness of the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B.

[0116] Further, since the shape of the insertion section 21 is displayed by the UPD coil 58, the operator can easily perform the insertion work of the insertion section 21 and the like.

[0117] Next, processing contents of the human interface realizing the remote control operation by the user on the endoscope 3 side and the endoscope system control device 5 side will be described with reference to Figs. In Figures 24 and 25, the human interface is abbreviated as HMI. When the processing of the human interface starts as shown in FIG. 24, the state management unit 81 waits for the angle valid switch to be turned off. That is, it waits until the trackball 69 is pressed and the angle effective switch is turned off.

Then, when the angle valid switch is turned off, the state management unit 81 issues a GUI (graphical user interface) display message as shown in the next step S62. This GUI display message is wirelessly sent from the endoscope 3 via the AWS unit 4 to the (control CPU) in the system control unit 117 of the endoscope system control device 5. After issuing the GUI display message, the state management unit 81 waits for a display completion message of the endoscope system control device 5 side GUI display in the next step S63. If the GUI completion message cannot be received, the state management unit 81 proceeds to step S64 to determine whether the retry end condition is satisfied. Returns to step S63, and conversely terminates with an error if the retry end condition is met.

[0119] In the process of step S63, when receiving the display completion message, the state management unit 81 proceeds to step S65 and determines whether or not the angle valid switch has been turned ON. Then, when the angle valid switch is turned ON, the state management unit 81 issues a GUI end message as shown in step S66.

This GUI end message is the same as the GUI display message. It is transmitted to the endoscope system control device 5 wirelessly via the S unit 4. After issuing the GUI end message, the state management unit 81 waits for a display end message of the endoscope system control device 5 side power GUI to be received in the next step S67. Then, when receiving the GUI display end message, the state management unit 81 ends the human interface processing.

[0120] On the other hand, when the GUI display end message cannot be received, the state management unit 81 proceeds to step S68, determines whether or not the force satisfies the retry end condition, and satisfies the retry end condition. If not, the process returns to step S66. Conversely, if the retry end condition is satisfied, the process ends with an error.

If the angle valid switch is not turned on in step S65, the process proceeds to the menu screen of step S69, and in this step S69, the state management unit 81 determines that the state of the trackball 69 has changed. It is determined whether or not the output force of the trackball displacement detection unit 95 has a change amount equal to or greater than a certain threshold.

Then, as shown in step S70, when determining that there is a change in the state of the trackball 69, the state management unit 81 acquires the state data (change data) of the trackball 69.

In this case, the user can select and instruct the function of a desired item on the main menu screen of FIG. 16B using a cursor that moves in response to the operation of the trackball 69.

Then, as shown in step S71, the state management unit 81 transmits state data corresponding to the operation of the trackball 69 by the user. This state data is transmitted from the endoscope 3 to the endoscope system controller 5 via the AWS unit 4 as packet data in synchronization with the imaging data of the CCD 25. After transmitting this status data, the process returns to step S65. In step S69, when the state management unit 81 determines that there is no change in the state of the trackball 69, as shown in step S72, the switch pushes the switch state (switch SW1-SW5) to determine whether or not there is a change. The determination is made based on the detection output from the detection unit 96.

In step S72, when it is determined that there is no change in the switch state, the process returns to step S65, and when it is determined that there is a change in the switch state, the process proceeds to step S73. As described above, the state management unit 81 acquires the switch pressing state data, transmits the switch pressing data acquired in the next step S74, and returns to the processing in step S65.

On the other hand, when the processing of the human interface starts as shown in FIG. 25, the CPU of the system control unit 117 of the endoscope system control device 5 sends a GUI display message from the endoscope 3 in the first step S81. Waits for reception. This CPU waits for reception of the GUI display message wirelessly via the transmission / reception unit 101 of FIG. 8 or FIG.

Then, as shown in step S82, when the CPU of the system control unit 117 receives the GUI display message, it performs a GUI display control process. That is, the CPU controls the image processing unit 116 to perform GUI display.

[0123] After the GUI display processing in step S82, the CPU issues a display completion message as shown in step S83. The CPU transmits this display completion message via the transmission / reception unit 101. In the next step S84, the CPU determines whether or not a GUI end message has been received from the endoscope 3. Then, when receiving the GUI end message, the CPU performs a process of ending the GUI display in step S85, issues a GUI display end message in the next step S86, and then executes the process of the human interface. The process ends.

In step S84, if the GUI end message has not been received, the CPU proceeds to step S87 to determine whether or not the received data of the trackball 69 has changed. The determination as to whether or not the received data of the trackball 69 has changed is made based on the determination result of the change in the state of the trackball 69 by the endoscope 3. If there is a change in the received data, the state data of the trackball 69 is obtained as shown in step S88. Further, in the next step S89, the CPU moves the cursor by a moving amount corresponding to the acquired state data (change data) of the trackball 69. Then, the process returns to step S84.

If it is determined in step S87 that the received data of the trackball 69 has not changed, the CPU determines whether the received data of the switch has changed as shown in step S90. Is the received data of the transmission data of the judgment result on the endoscope 3 side. Data.

Then, when it is determined that the received data of the switch has changed, the CPU acquires the switch pressed state data from the transmission information on the endoscope 3 side force as shown in step S91. Further, as shown in step S91, the CPU performs processing for executing the function assigned to the switch on which the switch has been pressed, and returns to the processing in step S84. Also, in step S90, if there is no change in the received data of the switch, the process returns to step S84. According to the endoscope 3 of the present embodiment that forms the endoscope system 1 performing such operations, the endoscope 3 is separated into the endoscope main body 18 and the tube unit 19 at the operation unit 22. By making the tube unit 19 side a disposable type, the endoscope body 18 can be easily cleaned and sterilized.

[0125] In other words, the air / water supply line 60a and the suction line 61a in the endoscope main body 18 can be much shorter than in the conventional example in which the universal cable corresponding to the tube unit 19 is integrally formed. Therefore, cleaning and sterilization are also easy.

[0126] In this case, in the case of the conventional example in which the universal cable corresponding to the tube unit 19 is integrally formed, the force provided by the operating section 22 so as to bend the universal cable continuously. In the present embodiment, in the connector section 51 of the operation section 22, the pipe section connector section 51a is slightly bent, and the other portions become an air supply / water supply pipe 60a and a suction pipe 61a that extend substantially linearly. Therefore, processes such as washing, sterilization, and drying of the pipeline can be performed easily and in a short time. Therefore, it can be set in a short time to a state where the endoscopy can be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the endoscope main body 18 and the tube unit 19 are detachably provided with connecting means that does not rely on the connection between the metal electrodes. Even if it is repeatedly washed and sterilized, it is possible to improve reliability without occurrence of contact failure or the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the operating section 22 is provided with a number of operating means such as an angle operating means, an air / water supplying means, a suction operating means, a hardness varying means, a freeze operating means, a release operating means, and the like. The operation means is controlled intensively by a control circuit 57 provided in the operation unit 22. The control circuit 57 also includes a light emitting unit that emits illumination light for performing imaging and an imaging unit that performs imaging with the operating unit. Both are configured to be controlled collectively.

As described above, in the present embodiment, various functions provided in the endoscope main body 18 are collectively controlled by the control circuit 57 provided in the operation unit 22 and the AWS unit connected to the endoscope main body 18 4 and the endoscope system control device 5 that transmits and receives information wirelessly, the various functions of the operating means are collectively controlled, so that the user (more specifically, the operator) can Various operations can be freely performed by the various operation means provided in, and the operability can be greatly improved.

In particular, in the present embodiment, by providing a control circuit 57 for performing intensive control in the operation unit 22, image data obtained by the CCD 25 from the control circuit 57 and various types of data by the operation means are provided. Since the signals are transmitted in common through a pair of signal lines 71b by packetizing or the like, the number of electric signal lines can be reduced (specifically, two signal lines for signal transmission and power transmission The number of power lines can be reduced to two, and if one of the signal line and the power line is used in common, the number can be reduced to three in total.)

Therefore, the number of signal lines that need to be inserted into the tube unit 19 connected at the connection portion of the operation unit 22 can be reduced, and the tube unit 19 side can be made disposable.

In addition, by reducing the number of signal lines inserted into the tube unit 19, the tube unit 19 can be easily narrowed and bent, and operability when a user operates can be improved.

As a modification of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope system 1B having a configuration as shown in FIG. 26 may be used.

[0129] The endoscope system 1B has a configuration in which the AWS unit 4 is housed in a recess provided on the upper end surface of the examination bed 2 in the endoscope system 1 shown in FIG.

[0130] In the AWS unit 4, a wireless transmission / reception unit 77 as shown in Fig. 8 is provided on, for example, the upper surface thereof. Further, when housed in the recess, a scope connector 40 is provided on the front surface exposed to the outside, so that the scope connector 41 of the endoscope 3 can be detachably connected.

Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. In this configuration, the endoscope 3 When performing an endoscopy, etc., since the AWS unit 4 is attached to the inspection bed 2, the tube unit 19 extending from the endoscope 3 does not need to be turned around for a long time. 4 can be connected to the system, providing an easy-to-operate environment for the operator. The other effects are the same as those of the endoscope system 1 shown in FIG.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 27 is a side view showing a part of the internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention as seen through, and FIG. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a main part showing a transparency sensor of the endoscope in the endoscope system, and FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the endoscope in the endoscope system of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 27, the endoscope 3B according to the present embodiment does not include a unit corresponding to the signal line 71b of the endoscope 3 according to the first embodiment, and includes an antenna unit 141 provided in the operation unit 22. This allows image data captured by the CCD 25 and various data to be transmitted and received to and from AWS Unit 4 wirelessly. That is, in the endoscope according to the first embodiment, various wired signals are carried by the signal line 71b as a common signal transmission unit, but in the second embodiment, various signals are wirelessly transmitted by the common signal transmission means. An antenna section 141 forming means is employed.

For this reason, the connector 51 of the operation unit 22 of the endoscope main body 18 of the present embodiment does not have the electromagnetic coupling connection 72b connected to the signal line 71b in the first embodiment. ing. The signal line 73b is not passed through the tube unit 19 side (in the tube unit 19 in FIG. 9)!

Therefore, in the tube unit 19, the air / water supply line 60b, the suction line 61b, and the power supply line 73a are connected. For this reason, the electrical connector 74 'of the connector 41 has only the connection part of the power supply line 73a.

According to the present embodiment, the structure inside the tube unit 19 can be simpler than in the first embodiment, so that the cost can be reduced and the tube unit 19 can be made more suitable for disposable use.

In the present embodiment, a contact sensor 142 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 24, and the contact sensor 142 is connected to the control circuit 57 via a signal line. And angle When an operation is performed, control is performed to restrict the bending of the bending portion 27 based on the detection result of the contact sensor 142 at that time. By performing this control, the bending portion 27 is reduced so as not to apply excessive force to the inner wall of the body cavity, and for example, when the insertion portion 21 is inserted into the body cavity, the pain given to the patient is reduced. To make the insertion smoother.

In the present embodiment, a transparency sensor 143 for detecting the transparency of the fluid inside the air / water supply line 60a and the suction line 61a is provided at an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 21. The detection signal of the transparency sensor 143 is sent to the control circuit 57. In the second embodiment, the configuration is such that the UPD coil 58 in the first embodiment is not provided.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of detecting the cleaning level by the transparency sensor 143.

[0137] As shown in Fig. 28 (A), a photoreflector 144 and a reflection plate 145 are opposed to the outer periphery of an air / water supply pipe 60a (same for the suction pipe 61a) formed of a transparent tube. The transparency sensor 143 is formed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 28 (B), the light from the light emitting element constituting the photo reflector 144 is emitted to the reflector 145 side, and the light reflected by the reflector 145 is received by the light receiving element constituting the photo reflector 144 I do.

In this case, since the transmittance detector 146 such as the air / water supply line 60a formed of a transparent tube is actually disposed between the photoreflector 144 and the reflection plate 145, the air / water supply line When the inner wall side of the air / water supply line 60a is cleaned by flowing a transparent cleaning liquid inside the 60a, when the inner wall surface is in a clean state, the amount of light received by the light receiving element of the photo reflector 144 increases. Make it possible to detect the degree of cleaning.

[0138] Therefore, this function can quantitatively detect the washing level between the inner wall surface of the air / water supply conduit 60a and the inner wall surface of the suction conduit 61a.

In this case, the operation in the case of cleaning with the cleaning liquid has been described. You can also know the degree of dirt on the inner wall of bow I pipeline 6 la. FIG. 29 shows a configuration of an electric system in the case of the endoscope 3B according to the present embodiment.

[0139] In the second embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment, the contact portion is further provided at the distal end portion 24. A sensor 142 is provided, and is connected to the state management unit 81 via a contact sensor detection unit 147 that performs contact detection based on a detection output from the contact sensor 142.

[0140] Further, for example, a transparency sensor 143 is further provided on the flexible portion of the insertion section 21, and is connected to the state management section 81 via a transparency detection section 148 that detects the transparency by the detection output of the transparency sensor 143. Te!

Further, in the present embodiment, a transmission / reception unit 149 for performing transmission / reception by a wireless system is employed instead of the transmission / reception unit 83 by wire in FIG. In the first embodiment, image data and operation data such as switches input to the electrical connector 43 of the AWS unit 4 are transmitted to the data communication control unit 11 of the endoscope system controller 5 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Receive all.

Further, the data communication control unit 11 of the AWS unit 4 receives only the AWS-related information such as the operation of the air / water switch and the suction switch, and then sends the information to the air / water control unit 122, and the pump 65 and the solenoid valve unit. Controls 124. In this embodiment, the configuration is such that the UPD coil 58 is not provided.

In the second embodiment, when performing the angle operation control for the angle operation, the state management unit 81 performs state management at the start of the servo processing in step S46 as shown in FIG. The unit 81 captures the detection result of the contact sensor 142 via the contact sensor detection unit 147 as shown in step S47, and determines whether the distal end portion 24 is in contact with the inner wall or the like in the body cavity at a pressure equal to or more than a moderate value. Is detected (determined).

If the state management unit 81 determines that the contact has not been made at an appropriate value or more, the process proceeds to the next step S48, and determines whether or not the target position corresponding to the angle command value has been reached. The control returns to step S46 if the target position has not been reached, and the control processing for this angle operation ends if the target position has been reached.

On the other hand, in step S47, when the state management unit 81 determines that the contact is made with an appropriate value or more, the control process for the angle operation is terminated without performing the process of the next step S48.

[0142] As described above, when an angle operation is performed, the state management unit 81 performs the angle operation. Performs control processing to bend the bending portion 27 to the target position corresponding to the command value by the force.If the distal end portion 24 comes into contact with the inner wall or the like in the body cavity with a pressure equal to or higher than the set value, it bends further. The control is performed so as to suppress the occurrence.

Therefore, when the user inserts the insertion section 21 into the body cavity, even if the user performs an angle operation to insert the insertion section 21 along the bent conduit, the user should make contact with a pressure greater than the set value. Thus, pain given to the patient can be further reduced, and smooth insertion can be achieved.

It should be noted that the hardness output may be controlled to be further changed by the hardness variable actuator based on the detection output of the contact sensor 142.

Other functions and effects of the second embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 30 is a side view showing a perspective view of some of the internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 30, the endoscope 3C according to the third embodiment does not include the above-described signal line 7 lb similarly to the above-described second embodiment, and instead includes the antenna unit 141 and the antenna unit 141. In addition to transmitting and receiving signal data by 141, the power supply line 71a is not provided, and the operation unit 22 is provided with a battery 151, a charging circuit 152 connected thereto, and a non-contact charging coil 153. I have.

[0145] The connector section 51 of the operation section 22 in the third embodiment includes a pipeline connector section 5la having an air / water supply connector and a suction connector.

For this reason, the tube unit 19 detachably connected to the endoscope main body 18 in the third embodiment is provided with the power supply line 73a and the signal line 73b as in the first embodiment described above. The structure is such that the water supply line 60b and the suction line 61b are inserted.

The battery 151 is formed of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium battery, and the battery 151 is provided with a watertight structure built in a portion near the outer surface of the operation unit 22 via a charging circuit 152. Connected to contact charging coil 153. And this contactless charging core A non-contact power supply coil (not shown) is arranged opposite to the outer surface of the portion in which the coil 153 is built in, and the battery 151 can be charged by supplying an alternating current to the non-contact power supply coil. .

That is, by supplying AC power to the non-contact power supply coil disposed on the outer surface side of the operation unit 22, the AC power is supplied to the non-contact charging coil 153 inside the operation unit 22 by electromagnetic coupling. Can be transmitted by contact. The AC power is further converted by the charging circuit 152 into a DC voltage for charging the battery 151, supplied to the battery 151, and the battery 151 is charged.

[0147] In the third embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, since the LED 56 is employed as the lighting means, the power consumption can be reduced far more than in the case of using a lamp. Also, as the image sensor, an ultra-sensitive CCD 25 (with a built-in variable gain function) is used, so that a sufficiently bright image can be obtained even when the amount of illumination light is small. For this reason, even when the knowledge 151 is adopted, the endoscopy can be performed for a much longer time than in the conventional example. Also, the notch 151 can be smaller and lighter than in the case of the conventional example, and the operation section 22 can be lighter in weight to ensure good operability. The configuration of the electrical system inside the endoscope 3C is such that the contact sensor 142 and the transparency sensor 143 are removed in FIG. 29, and the power transmission / reception unit 97 includes a nottery 151 and a charging circuit 152 connected thereto. And a contactless charging coil. Therefore, the drawing is omitted.

[0148] According to the third embodiment, the tube unit 19 includes only the conduit system, and has a configuration more suitable for a disposable type. Also, in the case of recycling (reuse), since there is no electric wire in the tube unit 19, it is easy to recycle. Further, according to the third embodiment, when the pipe system is not used, the tube unit 19 can be detached from the endoscope main body 18 and used. In other words, in this case, the tube unit 19 can be dispensed with, so that the tube unit 19 can be prevented from obstructing the operation, and the operability can be improved.

[0149] Other functions and effects are the same as those described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. It is almost the same.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 31 is a side view showing a part of the internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention in a see-through manner, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of a main part showing a configuration of a battery unit and a peripheral part of the endoscope in the endoscope system, an electric circuit unit, and an electric circuit diagram showing a configuration of a charging unit according to the battery unit.

As shown in FIG. 31, the endoscope 3D according to the fourth embodiment is different from the power supply circuit 161 in place of the battery 151 and the charging circuit 152 incorporated in the operation unit 22 in the endoscope 3C according to the third embodiment. Is placed. A non-contact power supply coil 162 is connected to the power supply circuit 161, and a concave portion 163 is formed at a position facing the portion of the operation unit 22 in which the non-contact power supply coil 162 is built. It has a structure in which the battery 164 of the type can be detachably mounted.

[0152] Fig. 32 (A) shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the battery unit 164, Fig. 32 (B) shows the internal configuration in Fig. 32 (A), and Fig. 32 (C) charges the battery unit 164. The circuit configuration for connecting to the device 165 and charging the battery 166 by the charging device 165 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 32 (A), a battery unit 164 provided with a watertight outer case to be mounted in a concave portion 163 provided in the operation unit 22 includes a non-contact power supply on the power supply circuit 161 side. A non-contact power supply coil 167 is disposed at a portion facing the coil 162, and the non-contact power supply coil 167 is connected to a battery 166 via a power supply circuit 168.

As shown in FIG. 32 (B), the non-contact power feeding coil 167 is connected to a switching circuit 169 and a charging circuit 170 constituting a power supply circuit 168, and the switching circuit 169 and the charging circuit 170 These switches are connected to lead switches 171 and 172 as magnetically sensitive switches that turn on and off in response to magnetism (magnetic field). The battery unit 164 is housed in an outer case and has a waterproof structure.

The power supply circuit 161 connected to the other contactless power supply coil 162 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 12, for example. The AC power transmitted to the contactless power supply coil 162 is rectified by the rectifying diode D, and the pulsating component is removed through the smoothing capacitor. The voltage is then smoothed, input to the three-terminal power supply IC 79, and converted to a predetermined voltage value by the three-terminal power supply IC 79.

The DC power having a predetermined voltage value generated by the power supply circuit 161 is supplied to each unit of the control circuit 57.

[0157] Further, when magnet 174 is arranged near opposing reed switch 171 in operation section 22 and battery unit 164 is mounted in recess 163 as shown in FIG. To turn on reed switch 171.

[0158] On the other hand, a force in which a magnet 175 is also disposed on the other reed switch 172 side. This magnet 175 does not act on the reed switch 172, and the magnetic flux is directed to the side of the reed switch 172. Therefore, the reed switch 172 is turned off (the magnet 175 is used to control the charging device 165 as shown in FIG. 32 (C)).

[0159] Therefore, the power of the battery 166 is supplied to the switching circuit 169, and the switching circuit 169 performs a switching operation, and the pulse (AC) current switched by the switching operation is transmitted through the contactless power feeding coil 167, The power is transmitted to the non-contact power supply coil 162 which is electromagnetically coupled with the non-contact power supply coil 167 in a non-contact manner.

Then, a DC power supply having a predetermined voltage value is generated by the power supply circuit 161 connected to the contactless power supply coil 162.

The charging device 165 for charging the battery 166 of the battery unit 164 has a circuit configuration as shown in FIG.

The AC power from the AC power supply is input to the rectifier Z smoothing circuit 182 via the EMI filter 181 and converted into smoothed DC power.After that, the switching operation is performed in substantially the same manner as the switching circuit 169 to perform charging control. Is supplied to a charge control circuit 183 for performing the above-mentioned operations. The output terminal of the charge control circuit 183 is connected to a non-contact power supply coil 184, and the AC power switched by the charge control circuit 183 is supplied to the non-contact power supply coil 167 via the non-contact power supply coil 184. Is done.

[0160] A reed switch 185 is connected to the charge control circuit 183, and by mounting the nottery unit 164 in a recess provided in the charging device 165, a magnetic field generated by a magnet 175 provided on the side of the nottery unit 164 is provided. Turns on the reed switch 185. Ma Also, the reed switch 172 connected to the charging circuit 170 can be turned on by the magnet 186 provided on the charging device 165 side!

[0161] Therefore, in this case, the charging control circuit 183 is in an operating state, performs a switching operation, and supplies AC power from the contactless power feeding coil 184 to the contactless power feeding coil 167 side. The AC power supplied to the non-contact power supply coil 167 side is converted by the charging circuit 170 into a DC voltage for charging the battery 166, and charges the battery 166.

[0162] The charge control circuit 183 monitors the current and the like supplied from the non-contact power supply coil 184 to the non-contact power supply coil 167, and detects the state of charge of the battery 166 from the value. When a predetermined charge state is reached, the supply of AC power is stopped, and an LED or the like (not shown) is turned on to notify the completion of charging.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, by attaching the detachable battery unit 164 to the endoscope main body 18, the intensive control operation by the control circuit 57 provided inside the operation unit 22 can be performed. Can be done.

[0163] When the electric energy of the battery 166 in the battery unit 164 is exhausted or reduced, the battery unit 164 is brought into non-contact with the charging device 165 as shown in FIG. The battery 166 can be charged by mounting

According to the present embodiment, since the electric signal lines do not need to pass through the tube unit 19, the tube unit 19 can be manufactured at lower cost and the tube unit 19 more suitable for a disposable type can be realized. it can. Further, the tube unit 19 itself can be reduced in diameter, and the operability when operating the operation unit 22 can be improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the air supply / water supply operation and the suction operation are not required, the tube unit 19 side is detached from the endoscope main body 18 and used as described in the third embodiment. You can also.

Note that embodiments and the like configured by partially combining the above-described embodiments and the like also belong to the present invention. Modifications in which the embodiments are changed also belong to the present invention. For example, a configuration in which the connecting portion of the tube unit 19 is displaced from the grip portion 68 or the operating portion 22 toward the base end (rear end) of the insertion portion 21 or the like also basically belongs to the present invention. Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 33 is a side view showing a part of the internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention in a see-through manner, and FIG. FIG. 35 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a configuration of a distal end side of an insertion portion of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the embodiment. FIG. 35 is an optical diagram of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a simple pressing amount detecting means. FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a control process of an angle operation of the endoscope in FIG.

[0167] The endoscope according to the fifth embodiment has the same basic configuration as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences will be described here, and the same constituent elements will be the same in the drawings. And the description is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the endoscope 3 according to the fifth embodiment includes, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) as an illumination means inside an illumination window provided at the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 21. The illumination light of the LED 56 is emitted forward through a lens integrally attached to the LED 56. In front of the lens, a transparent optical element 161 is arranged, and illumination light is emitted forward through the optical element 161 and the illumination lens 162 arranged in front of the optical element 161 to illuminate a subject such as an affected part.

[0169] In the fifth embodiment, a light branching portion 163 is formed around the optical element 161. FIG. 35A is a schematic view of the optical element 161 as viewed from the LED 56 side. That is, a prism or a beam splitter having a function of splitting transmitted light and reflected light is provided around the optical element 161 to form the light splitting unit 163.

[0170] Then, on the side surface on which the reflected light travels by the light branching portion 163, one end force of the optical fins 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d as the light guide member is placed, and the optical fins 164a, 164b, The other ends of 164c and 164d are fixed inside pressing and deforming members 165a, 165b, 165c and 165d provided at, for example, the upper, lower, left and right corners of the distal end surface of the distal end portion 24. Not shown).

[0171] The pressing deformation member 165i (i = a-d) has, for example, a substantially spherical shape, and is deformed according to the pressing amount. Both are made of urethane or the like having appropriate reflection characteristics. Also, one end of the optical fiber 166i, which is a pair with the optical fiber 164i, is fixed in the pressing deformation member 165i (i = ad), and the other end of the optical fiber 166i is an optical fiber. It is arranged at a position facing the light detecting element element constituting the light detecting element array 167 for performing detection (only the light detecting element array 167 is shown in the drawing).

When the pressing and deforming member 165i is pressed and deformed, the reflection characteristic of the light guided by the optical fiber 164i in the pressing and deforming member 165i changes, and the amount of light incident on the optical fiber 166i changes. . Therefore, when the pressing and deforming member 165i is pressed and deformed, the intensity (signal level) of the electric signal detected by the light detecting element of the light detecting element array 167 via the optical fiber 166i also changes. The photodetector array 167 is connected to the control circuit 57 via a signal line.

[0173] Then, the control circuit 57 determines, based on the output of the photodetector array 167, whether or not a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value has acted on the basis of whether or not the output has changed by an amount equal to or greater than a reference value. When the bending portion 27 is driven to bend, a restricting means for restricting the bending drive is formed when it is determined that the output change amount has changed by the reference value or more. This operation will be described later in detail.

In FIG. 35 (A), a light branching portion 163 is formed to be elongated below the optical element 161 to form a light branching part 163a at four corners of the optical element 161 as shown in FIG. 35 (B). 163b, 163c and 163d may be formed. In this way, light can be easily guided to the pressing deformation members 165i disposed at the upper, lower, left, and right positions in the curved portion 27.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 35 (B), since only a part of the illumination light on the peripheral side is used, the amount of illumination that illuminates the subject side is hardly reduced, and the detection of the amount of pressing is performed. It can be performed.

In this manner, the pressure detecting means (part of FIG. 15 is a simplified contact diagram) that optically detects the amount of pressure acting on each of the upper, lower, left and right corners of the distal end portion 24 by using a part of the illumination light. (Using the sensor 142).

[0175] The LED 56 may be an LED that generates white light, an R LED, a G LED, and a red (R), green (G), and blue (B) wavelength light. Even if it is configured with LED for B good. The light emitting element forming the illumination means is not limited to the LED 56, and may be formed using an LD (laser diode) or the like.

[0176] Further, an objective lens 169 is attached to an observation window provided adjacent to the illumination window, and a CCD 25 having a built-in variable gain function is arranged at an image forming position to capture an object. An imaging means is formed. In the CCD 25 of the present embodiment, the function of varying the gain is built into the CCD element itself, and the gain of the CCD output signal can be easily varied up to about 100 times by the function of varying the gain. However, we are trying to obtain a bright image with little decrease in SZN. In addition, since the LED 56 has better luminous efficiency than a lamp, the temperature rise near the LED 56 can be suppressed.

[0177] One end is connected to each of the LED 56 and the CCD 25, and the other end of the signal line passed through the insertion section 21 is provided, for example, in the operation section 22 and performs centralized control processing (aggregated control processing). Connected to circuit 57. A plurality of UPD coils 58 are arranged in the insertion section 21 at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a signal line connected to each UPD coil 58 is connected to a UPD coil driving unit provided in the operation section 22. It is connected to the control circuit 57 via 59.

As shown in FIG. 36, the state management unit 81 controls an LED drive unit 85 controlled by the illumination control unit 84 via an illumination control unit 84 that controls illumination. The LED drive unit 85 applies an LED drive signal to the LED 56 to emit light to the LED 56 serving as illumination means. By the emission of the LED 56, the illuminated subject such as the affected part is irradiated by the objective lens 169 attached to the observation window. An image is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 25 arranged at the image forming position, and the image is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 25.

The CCD 25 outputs a signal charge that has been photoelectrically converted and accumulated as an imaging signal by applying a CCD drive signal from a CCD drive unit 86 controlled by the state management unit 81. The image signal is converted into a digital signal by an AZD converter 87 after being converted into an analog signal. The digital signal (image data) is stored in the image memory 88 while being input to the state management unit 81. The image data in the image memory 88 is sent to the data transmission unit 12 'of the transmission / reception unit 83. [0179] Then, the signal is transmitted from the electrical connector 15 to the AWS cut 4 via the signal line 73b in the tube unit 19. In addition, it is transmitted to the endoscope system controller 5 by the AWS unit 4 power wirelessly.

The output signal of the ADC 87 is sent to the brightness detection unit 89, and the information on the brightness of the image detected by the brightness detection unit 89 is sent to the state management unit 81. Based on this information, the state management unit 81 performs dimming control via the illumination control unit 84 so that the amount of illumination by the LED 56 becomes appropriate.

As described below, when performing the operation of optically detecting the amount of pressure, the dimming control maintains the illumination light amount of the LED 56 constant, and adjusts the gain of the CCD 25 to obtain an image of appropriate brightness. Is obtained.

[0180] As described above, in the present embodiment, the contact sensor 142 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 24, and the contact sensor 142 performs contact detection (press detection) based on the detection output. (Pressing detection unit) is connected to the state management unit 81 via 147.

Then, when an angle operation is performed, the state management unit 81 performs control for restricting the bending of the bending unit 27 based on the detection result of the contact sensor 142 at that time. By performing this control, the bending portion 27 is reduced so that the inner wall of the body cavity does not exert excessive force on the inner wall.For example, when the insertion portion 21 is inserted into the body cavity, the pain given to the patient is reduced. To ensure smooth insertion.

Further, the state management unit 81 controls an actuator driving unit 92 via an angle control unit 91, and manages driving of the angle actuator (EPAM) 27a by the actuator driving unit 92. The drive amount of the angle actuator (EPAM) 27a is detected by the encoder 27c, and is controlled so that the drive amount matches a value corresponding to the indicated value.

Next, the operation of the endoscope according to the fifth embodiment having such a configuration will be described.

In the present embodiment, as described below, the output of the optical pressing amount detecting means is used for the angle operation so that the insertion operation of the insertion portion 21 and the like can be smoothly performed.

Here, the process of the angle operation control will be described with reference to FIG. When the process of the angle control starts, the state management unit 81 determines whether the angle control is effective as shown in step S41, as in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the state management section 81 determines whether or not the angle control is valid as shown in step S41, based on whether or not the track ball 69 is pressed by the track ball 69. Do. Specifically, the state management unit 81 can detect a displacement operation and a pressing operation of the trackball 69 based on an output of the trackball displacement detection unit 95. When the trackball 69 is pressed, the angle control is turned off.

[0186] If it is determined that the angle control is not valid, the process proceeds to step S45, and the previous command value is held. On the other hand, when it is determined that the angle control is valid, the process proceeds to the next step S42, and the state management unit 81 acquires the state data by operating the trackball 69. Then, in the next step S43, the state management section 81 determines whether or not there is a further state change based on the output of the trackball displacement detection section 95.

In this case, if the state management unit 81 determines that there is no state change, the process proceeds to step S45, and if it determines that there is a state change, on the other hand, in the next step S44, the rotation direction of the trackball 69 is changed. , A command value corresponding to the rotation amount is calculated.

After the process in step S44 or S45, as shown in step S46, the state management unit 81 sends the command value to the actuator driving unit 92 via the angle control unit 91, and performs servo processing on the angle actuator 27a.

[0187] That is, the actuator drive unit 92 drives the angle actuator based on the command value so as to be in an under state (curved angle) corresponding to the command value.

[0188] During the start of the servo processing in step S46, the state management unit 81 captures the detection result of the contact sensor 142 via the contact sensor detection unit 147 as shown in step S47. 24 comes into contact with the inner wall of the body cavity, etc. with a pressure equal to or more than an appropriate value!

Then, when the state management unit 81 determines that the contact is not made at an appropriate value or more, the process proceeds to the next step S48, and the state management unit 81 has reached the target position corresponding to the angle command value. Is determined based on the detection value of the encoder 27c.If the target position has not been reached, the process returns to step S46.If the target position has been reached, on the other hand, the control processing for this angle operation ends. .

[0189] As described above, when the angle operation is performed, the state management unit 81 performs a control process so as to bend the bending unit 27 to the target position corresponding to the command value by the angle operation. When the contact with the inner wall or the like in the body cavity or the like is made at a pressure equal to or higher than the set value of 24, control is performed so as to suppress further bending.

According to the endoscope 3 of the present embodiment that forms the endoscope system 1 performing such an operation, the amount of pressing is detected using a part of the peripheral light in the illumination light emitted from the illumination window ( Since the means for performing (contact detection) is formed, it can be used for performing insertion work and the like smoothly by effectively using the illumination light.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a configuration of a distal end side of an insertion portion of an endoscope in an endoscope system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a first modification of the configuration of the endoscope insertion section distal end side in the endoscope system of FIG. 40. FIG. 40 is an endoscope of the endoscope system of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 41 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a second modification of the configuration on the distal end side of the insertion section. FIG. 41 is a second modification of the configuration on the distal end side of the endoscope insertion section in the endoscope system according to the sixth embodiment. 42 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example, and FIG. 42 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a cross section taken along line DD ′ in FIG. 41.

In the endoscope 3 according to the fifth embodiment, the top, bottom, left, and Force provided with contact sensors 142a-142d at each right position In the endoscope 3B of the sixth embodiment, the endoscope 3B is further provided near the rear end of the curved portion 27 and also at a position behind the curved portion 27. Contact sensors 171a-171d and 172a-172d are provided.

[0193] The contact sensors 171a to 171d will be described below.

[0194] An LED 173 and a light detection element array 174 are arranged inside the vicinity of the rear end of the curved portion 27, and the light of the LED 173 is guided into the pressing and deforming member 176i by the optical fiber 175i. One end of a pair of optical fibers 177i is arranged in the deformation member 176i. The light detected by the optical fiber 177i is received by the photodetector array 174.

[0195] The LED 173 and the photodetector array 174 are connected to the control circuit 57 by signal lines. The contact sensors 172a to 172d also have the same configuration, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to detect a state in which the peripheral edge portion (specifically, the upper, lower, left, and right positions) of the distal end portion 24 is in contact with the inner wall of the body cavity and is deformed by pressing. It is possible to detect a state in which the outer peripheral surface is pressed and deformed at each of the upper, lower, left, and right positions, and a state in which the outer peripheral surface behind the curved portion 27 is deformed by pressing at the upper, lower, left, and right positions.

In the present embodiment [in this case, too, when the detection outputs of the insect-contact sensors 142a-142d, 171a-171d, and 172a-172d are input to the control circuit 57 and the bending portion 27 is bent, When the amount is detected, the bending toward the side where the pressing amount is detected is regulated, so that smooth insertion or the like can be performed.

In the sixth embodiment, similar to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the contact sensors 142a-142d, the distal end portion 24 is provided near the rear end of the curved portion 27 and further on the rear end side. It is possible to detect the pressing state in a wider range of the area 21. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0199] In the sixth embodiment, a force using a light source for detecting a pressing amount different from that of the LED 56 for generating illumination light is used. A structure for detection can also be used.

FIG. 39 shows the structure of the distal end side of an endoscope 3C according to a first modification. In this modification, an example For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 38, the contact sensors 197a to 197d are arranged at four positions inside, for example, up, down, left and right inside the curved portion 27. FIG. 39 shows the upper and lower contact sensors 197a and 197c. The output of each contact sensor 197j is used as a detecting means for detecting the vertical and horizontal bending states of the bending section 27.

[0201] In other words, when the bending portion 27 is bent downward, for example, a pressing force acts to crush the contact sensor 197a inside the bending portion 27, so that a change in the amount of light to be detected occurs. By examining the relationship between the amount of bending (bending angle) and the change in light amount and referring to the data, the amount of bending can be detected.

FIG. 40 shows the shape of the distal end side of the insertion section 21 of the endoscope 3D of the second modification. In the present modified example, a tapered portion 181 is provided on a peripheral edge portion of the distal end portion 24. Further, a hard large-diameter portion 182 which is thicker than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 21 is provided at a rear end portion of the curved portion 27.

[0202] Fig. 41 shows the internal structure of the distal end side of the insertion section 21 of the endoscope 3D. In this modified example, an LED 184 for illumination is provided in the hard large-diameter portion 182, and the illumination light of the LED 184 is provided by a light guide fiber bundle 185 having a rear end (incident end) disposed opposite to the LED 184. The light is transmitted, and the tip surface force fixed to the illumination window of the tip portion 24 is further emitted to the front side via the illumination lens 186.

[0203] Further, light guide fibers 187a, 187b, 187c, and 187d are also arranged in a ring shape on the outermost periphery of the light guide fiber bundle 185 so that a part of the illumination light of the LED 184 is incident.

[0204] Then, the illumination light of the LED 184, which is incident from the rear end of each light guide fiber 187j, is guided and emitted from the front end surface. The distal end of each light guide fiber 187j is disposed inside a circular ring-shaped pressing deformation member 188 disposed in the tapered portion 181 of the distal end portion 24, and emits the guided light.

FIG. 42 (A) shows a light guide fiber 187j (and 18) arranged inside a circular ring-shaped pressing deformation member 188 in a cross section taken along line DD ′ in FIG. The light guide fibers 187 (and 189) may be provided in directions other than the vertical and horizontal directions as shown in FIG.

[0206] Inside the pressing deformation member 188, a light guide fiber paired with each light guide fiber 187j is provided. The distal end surface of the eyebar 189j is arranged, and guides the light reflected and incident by the pressing deformation member 188 to the rear end. At the rear end, a light detection element array 190 is arranged, which receives the guided light and performs photoelectric conversion. The outer periphery of the pressing deformation member 188 is covered by a protection member 191.

In this modification, for example, a reference pressing deformation member 192 having substantially the same shape and almost the same characteristics as the pressing deformation member 188 is disposed in the hard large-diameter portion 182. Further, the pressing deformation member 192 is set in a state where it is not deformed.

[0208] Further, light is guided into the pressing deformation member 192 by using the outermost light guide 19¾ of the light guide fiber bundle 185 also inside the pressing deformation member 192. Then, light is guided to the light detecting elements of the light detecting element array 190 by the light guide 194j paired with the light guide 19 #.

[0209] Further, by using the light guided by the light guide 194j as a reference and detecting the amount of change in the photoelectric conversion output value force in the case of the light, the pressure (contact) can be detected with high accuracy. I can do it.

[0210] It should be noted that the optical fiber 193j and 194j on the reference side may be configured as a single pair to have a simplified configuration. In this case, the pressing deformation member 192 may not be provided in a circular ring shape like the pressing deformation member 188, and may be provided only near the reference optical fibers 193 and 194.

According to the present modification, the amount of pressing can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0212] Note that embodiments and the like configured by partially combining the above-described embodiments and the like also belong to the present invention.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an endoscope system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a peripheral portion of an AWS unit in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a specific external shape of the vehicle.

[0215] As shown in Fig. 43, an endoscope system 1 including an embodiment of the present invention is a flexible endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity of a patient (not shown) lying on an examination bed 2 to perform an endoscopy. A mirror (also referred to as a scope) 3 is connected to the endoscope 3 to provide air supply, water supply, and suction functions. Air 'water supply' suction unit (hereinafter abbreviated as AWS unit) 4, signal processing for the imaging device built in endoscope 3, control processing and video processing for various operating means provided in endoscope 3 And an observation monitor 6 such as a liquid crystal monitor for displaying a video signal generated by the endoscope system control device 5. The observation monitor 6 is provided with a touch panel 33.

[0216] Further, the endoscope system 1 is connected to the image recording unit 7 for, for example, filing the digital video signal generated by the endoscope system control device 5, and the AWS unit 4, and the endoscope 3 When a shape detection coil (hereinafter abbreviated as UPD coil) is built in the insertion section, the position of each UPD coil is detected by receiving an electromagnetic field by the UPD coil, and the endoscope is used. And an UPD coil unit 8 for displaying the shape of the inlet.

In the case of FIG. 43, the UPD coil unit 8 is provided so as to be embedded on the upper surface of the inspection bed 2. The UPD coil unit 8 is connected to the AWS rack 4 by a cable 8a.

[0218] Further, in the present embodiment, a storage recess is formed at one end of the inspection bed 2 in the longitudinal direction and at a position below the same, so that the tray transport trolley 38 can be stored. . On the upper part of the tray transport trolley 38, a scope tray 39 in which the endoscope 3 is stored is placed.

In the present embodiment, the AWS unit 4 and the endoscope system control device 5 shown in FIG. 43 transmit and receive information (data) wirelessly. Note that in FIG. 43, the endoscope 3 may transmit and receive information (data) (bidirectional transmission) by force radio connected to the AWS unit 4 and the tube unit 19. In addition, the endoscope system controller 5 May be configured to transmit and receive information to and from the endoscope 3 wirelessly.

[0220] Also in the present embodiment, the three methods in the transmission / reception unit (communication unit) for transmitting and receiving data between units and devices in the endoscope system 1, or between the endoscope 3 and the unit or device are described. Is the same as in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 43, the endoscope 3 according to the embodiment is detachably connected to the endoscope main body 18 and the endoscope main body 18, for example, using a disposable type (disposer). (Bulb type) tube unit 19.

[0222] The endoscope main body 18 has an elongated soft insertion portion 21 inserted into a body cavity, and an operation portion 22 provided at a rear end of the insertion portion 21. The base end of the tube unit 19 is detachably connected.

[0223] Further, an imaging unit using a charge-coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) 25 having a variable gain inside the imaging device is arranged at the distal end portion 24 of the insertion section 21.

Further, a bending portion 27 that can be bent with a small amount of force is provided at the rear end of the distal end portion 24. By operating a trackball 69 as operating means (instruction input unit) provided in the operating unit 22, The bending portion 27 can be bent. This trackball 69 is angled

(Bending operation) and the function of changing the function of other scope switches, for example, setting the angle sensitivity, air supply amount, and the like.

[0224] Further, the insertion portion 21 is formed with a plurality of hardness variable portions provided with hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B for varying the hardness so that an insertion operation or the like can be performed more smoothly.

[0225] In the present embodiment, the AWS unit 4 and the endoscope system control device 5 transmit and receive data using the wireless transmission and reception units 77 and 101, for example, as shown in Fig. 8 described above. The observation monitor 6 is connected to the monitor connector 35 of the endoscope system control device 5 by a monitor cable.

[0226] As will be described later, the endoscope system control device 5 includes the AWS unit 4 side force together with the image data captured by the CCD 25 and the shape of the insertion section of the endoscope 3 detected using the UPD coil unit 8 ( The image data of the (UPD image) is transmitted, and accordingly, the endoscope system controller 5 transmits a video signal corresponding to the In addition, the UPD image can be displayed together with the endoscope image.

The observation monitor 6 is configured by a high-resolution TV (HDTV) monitor so that a plurality of types of images can be simultaneously displayed on the display surface.

As shown in FIG. 43, for example, the AWS unit 4 is provided with a scope connector 40. Then, the scope connector 41 of the endoscope 3 is detachably connected to the scope connector 40.

[0229] In this case, the external shape of the scope connector 40 on the AWS unit 4 side is shown in Fig. 44 (see also Fig. 6). Other configurations of the AWS unit 4 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Next, an endoscope according to the seventh embodiment will be described.

[0231] FIG. 45 is a side view showing a part of the internal components of the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment in a see-through manner, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific external shape and the like of an endoscope in the endoscope system.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing the configuration and operation of a transparency sensor of an endoscope in the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 48 is a diagram showing the endoscope according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the endoscope in the system.

[0233] Note that Fig. 46 (A) shows the vicinity of the operation unit of the endoscope 3 from the side, Fig. 46 (B) shows a front view seen from the right side of Fig. 46 (A), and Fig. 46 (C ) Shows the rear view of the left side force in Fig. 46 (A).

46 (D) shows a plan view seen from above in FIG. 46 (A). FIG. 46 (E) shows an example of the angle range of the slope that is close to optimal.

In FIG. 43, as briefly described, the flexible endoscope 3 includes an endoscope main body 18 having an elongated and flexible insertion section 21 and an operation section 22 provided at the rear end thereof. A disposable type in which a general connector section 52 at the base end is detachably connected to a connector section 51 (for tube unit connection) provided near the base end (front end) of the operation section 22 of the endoscope body 18. With tube unit 19

At the end of the tube unit 19, the above-described scope connector 41 which is detachably connected to the AWS unit 4 is provided.

[0235] The insertion portion 21 includes a hard tip portion 24 provided at the tip of the insertion portion 21, a bendable bending portion 27 provided at the rear end of the tip portion 24, and a rear end of the bending portion 27. Power up to operation unit 22 And an elongated flexible portion (coil tube portion) 53. A plurality of portions, specifically two portions, in the soft portion 53 are formed of a conductive polymer artificial muscle (abbreviated as EPAM) or the like that can expand and contract by applying a voltage and change the hardness. Hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B are provided.

[0236] For example, a light emitting diode (abbreviated as LED) 56 is attached as an illumination means inside the illumination window provided at the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 21, and the illumination light of the LED 56 is integrated with the LED 56. The light is emitted forward through the attached illumination lens and illuminates a subject such as an affected part. The light emitting element forming the lighting means is not limited to the LED 56, and may be formed using an LD (laser diode) or the like.

[0237] Further, an objective lens (not shown) is attached to an observation window provided adjacent to the illumination window, and a CCD 25 having a variable gain function is arranged at an image forming position to capture an image of a subject. An imaging means is formed.

[0238] One end is connected to each of the LED 56 and the CCD 25, and the signal line passed through the insertion section 21 is provided inside the operation section 22 and connected to a control circuit 57 that performs centralized control processing (aggregated control processing). ing.

[0239] Further, a plurality of UPD coils 58 are arranged in the insertion section 21 at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a signal line connected to each UPD coil 58 is connected to an UPD coil provided in the operation section 22. It is connected to a control circuit 57 via a controller drive unit 59.

[0240] Angle actuators 27a as angle elements (curving elements) formed by arranging EPAMs in the longitudinal direction are arranged at four locations in the circumferential direction on the inner side of the outer skin of the bending portion 27. . The angle actuator 27a and the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B are also connected to the control circuit 57 via signal lines. The control circuit 57 is configured by mounting electronic circuit elements on a switch board 57a and a trackball board 57b, for example.

[0241] The EPAM used for the angle actuator 27a and the hardness variable actuators 54A and 54B is, for example, to attach electrodes to both sides of a plate shape and apply a voltage to cause contraction in the thickness direction and expansion in the longitudinal direction. be able to. In this EPAM, for example, the amount of distortion can be changed in proportion to the square of the applied voltage. [0242] When used as the angle actuator 27a, the curved portion 27 is bent in the same manner as a normal wire by forming a wire shape or the like and extending one side and contracting the other side. Can be. In addition, the hardness can be varied by the extension or contraction, and the hardness varying actuators 54A and 54B can use the function to vary the hardness of the portion.

[0243] Further, an air / water supply conduit 60a and a suction conduit 61a are inserted into the insertion portion 21, and a rear end thereof is a conduit connector 51a opened in the connector portion 51. The pipeline connector 51 is detachably connected to the pipeline connector 52a of the overall connector section 52 at the base end of the tube unit 19.

[0244] The air / water supply line 60a is connected to the air / water supply line 6 Ob inserted into the tube unit 19, and the suction line 61a is connected to the suction line 61b inserted into the tube unit 19. In addition, it is branched into the conduit connector 52a and opened to the outside, and communicates with an insertion port (also called a forceps port) 62 through which a treatment tool such as forceps can be inserted. The forceps port 62 is closed by the forceps stopper 62a when not in use.

The rear ends of the air / water supply pipe 60b and the suction pipe 61b serve as the air / water supply cap 63 and the suction cap 64 in the scope connector 41.

[0246] The air / water supply base 63 and the suction base 64 are connected to the air / water supply base 42c and the suction base 42d of the AWS adapter 42, respectively. Then, inside the AWS adapter 42, the air supply / water supply base 42c branches into an air supply line and a water supply line, and the air supply line is inserted into the air supply pump 65 inside the AWS unit 4 via the electromagnetic valve B1. The water supply line is connected to the water supply tank 48. The water supply tank 48 is also connected to the air supply pump 65 via the solenoid valve B2 on the way.

[0247] The air supply pump 65 and the solenoid valves B1 and B2 are connected to the AWS control unit 66 by control lines (drive lines), and the opening and closing are controlled by the AWS control unit 66 to perform air supply and water supply. I can do it. The AWS control unit 66 also controls the suction operation by controlling the opening and closing of the pinch valve 45.

[0248] The operating section 22 of the endoscope main body 18 is provided with a grip section 68 that is gripped by an operator. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. It is formed by, for example, a cylindrical side portion near the rear end (base end) of the operation portion 22 (on the side opposite to the insertion portion 21 side).

[0249] The grip 68 is used to perform a remote control operation (abbreviated as a remote control operation) such as a release or a freeze on the periphery including the grip 68, for example, three scope switches SW1, SW2, and SW3. Are provided along the longitudinal axis of the grip portion 68, and are respectively connected to the control circuit 57 (see FIG. 45).

[0250] Further, a base end face provided at the rear end (base end) of the grip portion 68 (or the operation portion 22) (usually, the base end side is set up as shown in Fig. 46 and used for endoscopic examination) Therefore, it is also referred to as the upper end surface) is an inclined surface Sa. An angle operation (bending operation), an angle operation, or the like is performed near the side of the inclined surface Sa opposite to the position where the scope switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 are provided. A trackball 69 having a waterproof structure is provided to switch the operation power and set other remote control operations. In this case, the waterproof structure is such that the trackball 69 is actually rotatably held, or the encoder side that detects the amount of rotation is covered with a waterproof film, and the trackball 69 is rotatably held outside. It has a structure!

[0251] Further, a substantially U-shaped hook 70 is provided for connecting the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 68 provided near the rear end of the operation portion 22, as shown in FIG. 46 (B). Since the surgeon inserts his / her finger inside the hook 70 to hold with the right hand (or left hand), the endoscope 3 falls with its weight even when the holding section 68 is not held firmly. Can be effectively prevented.

That is, even if the endoscope 3 tries to fall with its weight, the hook 70 hits the lower hand to prevent the endoscope 3 from falling. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent the endoscope 3 from falling downward due to its weight even if the operator does not grasp (hold) the grasping portion 68. . Therefore, the surgeon grasps (holds) the grasping portion 68 when the operator grasps the grasping portion 68 and performs various operations and the hand or finger grasped by the operation becomes fatigued. Even if the operation is stopped, if a part of the hand is put in the hook 70, the endoscope 3 can be prevented from falling off and the operability can be improved.

As shown in FIGS. 46 (A) to 46 (C), on both sides of the trackball 69 on the inclined surface Sa, the air / water supply switch SW4 and the suction switch SW5 are symmetrically arranged. The

[0254] The trackball 69 and the scope switches SW4 and SW5 are also connected to the control circuit 57. 46 (A) -FIG. 46 (D), the operation unit 22 or the grip unit 68 extends in the longitudinal direction of the operation unit 22 or the grip unit 68 in the front view shown in FIG. 46 (B) ( The trackball 69 is arranged on the inclined surface Sa at a position symmetrical with respect to the center line O (as a reference line) with respect to the center line O. An air / water switch SW4 and a suction switch SW5 are arranged on both sides of the track ball 69 at symmetrical positions.

[0255] A rear view opposite to the front view is shown in FIG. 46 (C). In this rear view, the shape is also symmetrical with respect to the center line O. Thus, three scope switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 are arranged on the outer surface of the holding unit 68.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 46 (A), the inclined surface Sa forms an obtuse angle that is greater than 90 ° with respect to the center line O of the grip portion 68 or a line parallel to the side surface. It is formed at an angle φ. In other words, the inclined surface Sa is formed in an inclined shape having an angle of と with the surface perpendicular to the center line O of the grip portion 68, and the track ball 69 and the track ball 69 are located at the lower side of the inclined surface Sa. An air / water supply switch SW4 and a suction switch SW5 are provided symmetrically. Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (B), the trackball 69 and the like can be easily operated with the thumb of the hand grasped.

As described above, the inclined surface Sa has an obtuse angle φ with respect to the center line O, that is, a force that can be satisfactorily operated if the 90 ° force is also within an angle of 180 °. More specifically, FIG. As shown in (E), when the angle is within 120 ° of the angle φ1 and 150 ° of the angle φ2, further excellent operability can be secured.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation means (instruction input section) such as the trackball 69 provided on the operation section 22 is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal centerline の of the grip section 68. One of the features is that it can be placed so that it can be operated well even if the surgeon holds it with the right or left hand or a misaligned hand! /

[0259] In addition, by providing the hook 70 which is connected to the grip portion 68 by making both ends in the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 68 substantially U-shaped, the operator temporarily grips the grip portion 68 insufficiently. In a state However, since the index finger or the like is inserted inside the hook 70, if the endoscope 3 tries to drop downward due to its weight, the hook 70 is regulated by the index finger or the like, and the endoscope 3 is stopped. Has a function that can effectively prevent the fall of

[0260] In the present embodiment, the grip unit 68 is formed near the rear end of the operation unit 22, and the tube unit 19 is positioned closer to the insertion unit 21 than the grip unit 68 is. Since the connecting portion is provided, it is possible to reduce the eccentricity of the position of the center of gravity when the gripping portion 68 is gripped from the position of the center axis.

That is, if the tube unit 19 is extended laterally from a position rearward (upper side) from the position of the gripping portion in the conventional example, the position of the center of gravity in that case tends to be eccentric due to the weight of the tube unit. In the present embodiment, the tube unit 19 also extends laterally with respect to the position of the insertion portion 21, that is, the position below the grip portion 68, that is, on the lower side. Can be improved.

[0262] Also in the endoscope 3 of the present embodiment, when an operator (user) such as an operator grips the grip 68 with the left or right hand, the inner surface of the hook 70 is positioned near the side of the index finger. Since the side is lightly touched, even if the center of gravity is eccentric and the central axis is inclined (that is, the longitudinal direction of the operation unit 22 is inclined), the hook 70 hits the hand and the inclination is regulated. And good operability can be secured.

As shown in FIG. 45, the power supply line 71a and the signal line 71b extending from the control circuit 57 are connected to each other via electromagnetic coupling connecting portions 72a and 72b formed in the connector portion 51 and the general connector portion 52. It is connected to the power supply line 73a and the signal line 73b passed through the tube unit 19. The power supply line 73a and the signal line 73b are connected to power supply & signal terminals forming the electric connector 74 in the scope connector 41.

[0264] By connecting the scope connector 41 to the AWS unit 4, the user connects the power line 73a to the power unit 75 via the scope electrical connector 43 of the AWS unit 4, and connects the signal line 73b to the power unit 75. , (Via the power supply unit 75), the UPD unit 76, the transmission / reception unit 77, and the AWS control unit 66. The transmission / reception unit 77 is connected to an antenna unit 77a for transmitting and receiving radio waves by radio.

[0265] Further, as shown in Fig. 45, the air / water supply line 60a and the suction line 61a have A transparency sensor 143 is provided, and light is transmitted through each of the air supply / water supply conduit 60a and the suction conduit 61a formed of a transparent tube, which is a transparent conduit, so that the inner wall of the conduit is stained, The transparency of the fluid passing through the pipeline can be detected.

[0266] The transparency sensor 143 is connected to the control circuit 57 by a signal line. FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of detecting the cleaning level by the transparency sensor 143.

[0267] As shown in Fig. 47 (A), a photoreflector 144 and a reflection plate 145 are opposed to the outer periphery of an air / water supply pipe 60a (same for the suction pipe 61a) formed of a transparent tube. The transparency sensor 143 is formed.

[0268] Then, as shown in FIG. 47 (B), the light from the light emitting element forming the photoreflector 144 is emitted to the reflector 145 side, and the light reflected by the reflector 145 is received by the light receiving device forming the photoreflector 144. Light is received by the element.

[0269] In this case, actually, a transmittance detector 146 such as an air / water supply line 60a formed of a transparent tube is disposed between the photoreflector 144, which is a photodetector, and the reflector 145. Therefore, when the inner wall side of the air / water supply line 60a is cleaned by flowing a transparent cleaning solution inside the air / water supply line 60a, the light receiving element of the photo reflector 144 is used when the inner wall surface becomes clean. The amount of light received is increased so that the degree of cleaning can be detected.

[0270] Therefore, the washing level of the inner wall surface of the air / water supply conduit 60a and the inner wall surface of the suction conduit 61a can be quantitatively detected by this function.

[0271] In this case, the operation in the case of washing with the washing liquid has been described. However, during an endoscopic examination or the like, the detection output of the transparency sensor 143 is referred to, and the air / water supply line 60a is connected. It is possible to know the degree of dirt on the inner wall surface and the inner surface of the bow absorption I pipe 6 la. Furthermore, when physiological water or the like is sent into the body cavity, it is possible to detect the transparency of the physiological water or the like, or conversely, the degree of turbidity.

[0272] The photoreflector 144 emits light to a transparent pipe section such as the air / water supply pipe 60a, and reduces the amount of light transmitted through the transparent pipe section and reflected from the reflector 145. As long as it can be detected, the portion of the transparent tube may be formed in a part of the air / water supply line 60a etc. which is not the whole of the air / water supply line 60a etc.!

[0273] Therefore, even when the endoscope is used, the conduit is stained, or the fluid passing through the conduit is transparent. The degree and the like can be detected. Also, at the time of cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope, the output of the photodetector can be used as a cleaning level detector and used as an output indicating the cleaning level.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit 57 and the like arranged in the operation unit 22 of the endoscope main body 18 according to the seventh embodiment and a configuration of an electric system in main components arranged in each unit of the insertion unit 21. Is shown.

[0275] A CCD 25 and an LED 56 are arranged at the distal end 24 of the insertion section 21 shown in the lower part on the left side in Fig. 48, and the angle actuator (shown in the present embodiment) is provided on the bending section 27 described above the drawing. In the embodiment, specifically, an EPAM) 27a and an encoder 27c are arranged, and in the flexible portion 53 described above in the drawing, a hardness variable actuator (specifically, EPAM in the present embodiment) 54 and an encoder 54c Are arranged respectively. Further, a transparency sensor 143 and an UPD coil 58 are arranged in the flexible portion 53.

[0276] Also, on the surface of the operation section 22 described above the flexible section 53 of the insertion section 21, the track ball 69, the air / water supply SW (SW4), the suction SW (SW5), and the scope SW (SW1 SW3) is located. As will be described later, an angle operation and a function of selecting and setting other functions are assigned by operating the trackball 69.

As shown on the left side of FIG. 48, these are connected to a control circuit 57 (excluding the UPD coil drive unit 59 and the like) including most of the inside of the operation unit 22 shown on the right side via signal lines. Connected, the control circuit 57 performs drive control and signal processing of those functions.

[0278] The control circuit 57 has a state management unit 81 composed of a CPU or the like that manages the control state. The state management unit 81 is connected to a state holding memory 82 that holds (stores) the state of each unit. At the same time, (in the present embodiment) a wired transmission / reception unit 83 that communicates with the AWS unit 4 in a wired manner is connected.

[0279] Further, the state management unit 81 controls an LED drive unit 85 controlled by the illumination control unit 84 via an illumination control unit 84 that controls illumination. The LED driving section 85 applies an LED driving signal for causing the LED 56 serving as a lighting means to emit light to the LED 56.

[0280] Due to the emission of the LED 56, the illuminated subject such as the affected part is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 25 arranged at the image forming position by an objective lens (not shown) attached to the observation window. It is imaged and photoelectrically converted by the CCD 25.

The CCD 25 outputs a signal charge that has been photoelectrically converted and accumulated as an imaging signal by application of a CCD drive signal from a CCD drive unit 86 controlled by the state management unit 81. The image signal is converted into a digital signal by an AZD converter (abbreviated as ADC) 87 and then input to the state management unit 81, and the digital signal (image data) is stored in the image memory 88. . The image data of the image memory 88 is sent to the data transmission section 1 ^ of the transmission / reception unit 83.

[0282] Although not shown, the output value of the above-described transparency sensor 143 is also input to the state management unit 81, and is transmitted and received by the transmission / reception unit as data on the dirt of the pipeline or the transparency of the fluid passing through the pipeline. Supplied from 83 to AWS Unit 4.

[0283] Then, the signal is transmitted from the electrical connector 15 to the AWS cut 4 via the signal line 73b in the tube unit 19. In addition, it is transmitted to the endoscope system controller 5 by the AWS unit 4 power wirelessly.

[0284] As shown in Fig. 8, the image data transmitted to the endoscope system control device 5 is wirelessly received by the transmission / reception unit 101, image-processed by the image processing unit 116, and a video signal is generated. A video signal is output from the monitor connector 35 to the observation monitor 6 via the system control unit 117 that controls the entire endoscope system 1, and an endoscope image is displayed on the display surface of the observation monitor 6. In FIG. 6, the power supply unit 100 supplies operation power to the transmission / reception unit 101, the image processing unit 116, and the system control unit 117.

As shown in FIG. 48, the output signal of the ADC 87 is sent to the brightness detection unit 89, and information on the brightness of the image detected by the brightness detection unit 89 is sent to the state management unit 81. Based on this information, the state management unit 81 performs dimming control via the illumination control unit 84 so that the illumination light amount of the LED 56 becomes appropriate brightness.

[0286] The state management unit 81 controls the actuator driving unit 92 via the angle control unit 91, and controls the angle actuator (EPAM) 27a to be driven by the actuator driving unit 92. The drive amount of the angle actuator (EPAM) 27a is detected by the encoder 27c and controlled so that the drive amount matches the value corresponding to the indicated value. Is controlled.

[0287] The state management unit 81 controls the actuator driving unit 94 via the hardness variable control unit 93, and the actuator driving unit 94 controls the hardness variable actuator (EPAM) 54 (here, 54A and 54B are connected). (Represented by one). The driving amount of the hardness variable actuator (EPAM) 54 is detected by the encoder 54c, and is controlled so that the driving amount becomes a value corresponding to the indicated value.

[0288] The detection signal from the transparency sensor 143 provided in the flexible portion 53 is converted into signal data corresponding to the transparency by the transparency detection unit 148, and is then input to the state management unit 81, where it is input to the state management unit 81. Is compared with the reference value of transparency stored in advance in the state holding memory 82, etc., and when the reference value is reached, the information is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 83 to the endoscope system controller 5 via the AWS unit 4 And the observation monitor 6 indicates that the reference value has been reached.

[0289] Further, the state management unit 81 is input via a trackball displacement detection unit 95 corresponding to the operation amount of the trackball 69 or the like provided in the operation unit 22.

[0290] Further, a switch pressing operation such as an ON operation by the air / water supply SW, the suction SW, and the scope SW is detected by the switch pressing detection unit 96, and the detected information is input to the state management unit 81.

The control circuit 57 has a power transmission / reception unit 97 and a power generation unit 98. The power transmission / reception unit 97 is, specifically, a transmission unit 51 b in the operation unit 22 and an electric connector 74 at the end of the tube unit 19. Then, the power transmitted by the power generation unit 98 is converted into a DC power in the power generation unit 98. The power generated by the power generation unit 98 supplies power required for its operation to each unit in the control circuit 57.

In the endoscope system 1 having the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, various images are displayed on the observation motor 6 as shown in FIG. 16 (A), for example. In this case, in addition to the information display area Rj for displaying patient information, the endoscope image display area Ri, the UPD image display area Ru, the freeze image display area Rf, and the angle display area Ra, a menu display area is provided. Rm is provided, and a menu is displayed in the menu display area Rm.

[0293] The menu displayed in the menu display area Rm includes the main menu shown in Fig. 16 (B). One is displayed. This main menu includes the scope switch, angle sensitivity, insertion section hardness, zoom, image enhancement, and air volume, as well as an instruction to return to the previous menu screen. The item is displayed.

[0294] Then, when the user selects the selection frame in the item of the scope switch by operating the trackball 69 or the like, the frame of the item of the scope switch is displayed in bold to indicate that the item is selected. By pressing the trackball 69 and performing the determination operation, the functions assigned to the five scope switches SW1 to SW5 can be selectively set as shown in FIG. 16 (C).

[0295] Next, the operation of the endoscope system according to the seventh embodiment will be described.

[0296] As a preparation for performing the endoscope inspection, first, the general connector section 52 of the disposable tube unit 19 is connected to the connector section 51 of the operation section 22 of the endoscope body 18. In this case, the electromagnetic coupling connection sections 72a and 72b are connected to each other in a DC current-insulated and waterproof state. With this connection, the preparation of the endoscope 3 is completed.

Next, the scope connector 41 of the tube unit 19 is connected to the connector 40 of the AWS unit 4. In this part, various conduits, power lines, signal lines, and optical connections are completed in one connection operation by one-touch connection. Unlike the conventional endoscope system, it is not necessary to connect various conduits and electrical connectors each time.

[0298] The user connects the UPD coil unit 8 to the AWS unit 4, and connects the endoscope system controller 5 to the observation monitor 6. In addition, if necessary, the endoscope system control device 5 is connected to the image recording unit 7 or the like, thereby completing the setup of the endoscope system 1.

Next, the power of the AWS unit 4 and the endoscope system control device 5 is turned on. Then A

The power supply unit 75 is connected to the endoscope via the power supply line.

Power can be supplied to the 3 side.

[0300] In this case, the AWS unit 4 first turns off the power supply, starts a timer, and confirms that the endoscope 3 side force is correctly returned within a certain period of time. Ensure continuous supply.

[0301] Then, the operator inserts the insertion portion 21 of the endoscope 3 into the body cavity of the patient, A subject such as an affected part in a body cavity is imaged by a CCD 25 provided at a distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 21. The captured image data is wirelessly transmitted to the endoscope system control device 5 via the AWS unit 4 and subjected to image processing to generate a video signal, and the image of the subject is displayed on the display surface of the observation module 6 by the endoscope. Displayed as an image. Therefore, the surgeon can diagnose the diseased part or the like by observing the endoscopic image, and can perform a treatment for treatment using a treatment tool as necessary.

In the endoscope 3 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 46, a trackball 69 having a function of an angle instruction input unit, a freeze instruction Scope switches SW1 to SW3 for instructing various operation such as operation, air supply / water supply switch (SW4) and suction switch (SW5) are provided symmetrically.

[0303] Therefore, for example, as shown in Fig. 46 (B), when the operator holds the grip 68 of the operation section 22 with the right hand, the trackball 69 is located at a position where it is easy to operate with the thumb, and both sides thereof The air / water supply switch (SW4) and suction switch (SW5), which are arranged symmetrically to the left and right, can also be operated easily.

[0304] In addition, scope switches SW1 and SW2 are respectively located near the positions where the index finger and the middle finger are gripped when gripped, and scope switch SW3 is located near the position where the little finger is gripped. Therefore, the operator can perform various operations with good operability by the grasped right hand.

[0305] Also, in the case of an operator holding with the left hand, the holding position of the outer peripheral surface holding the holding portion 68 is on the side facing the side holding with the right hand. The position of the finger is the same as when the user holds the instruction input unit with the left hand.

That is, when the operator grips the grip portion 68 of the operation portion 22 with the left hand, the trackball 69 is located at the position V ヽ which is easy to operate with the thumb, and the air supply and water supply arranged symmetrically on both sides thereof The switch (SW4) and the suction switch (SW5) can also be operated.

[0307] Further, scope switches SW1 and SW2 are respectively located near the positions where the index finger and the middle finger are gripped when gripped, and scope switch SW3 is located near the position where the little finger is gripped.

[0308] Therefore, the operator can perform various operations with good operability using the grasped left hand. it can.

[0309] Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the hook 70 is provided so as to connect both sides in the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 68 so that the hand to be gripped can pass through the inside thereof. The endoscope 3 can be effectively prevented from falling due to its weight without holding the grip portion 68 tightly.

[0310] Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16, the assignment of functions to scope switches SW1-SW5 can be changed and set. Therefore, each operator can perform an endoscopy by changing and assigning the functions to the scope switches SW1 to SW5 so that the operator can operate the apparatus most easily.

[0311] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the pinch valve 45 is provided on the AWS unit 4 side and the AWS adapter 42 is connected has been described. However, as shown in FIG. The solenoid valve unit 42 '(which may be a modification of the AWS adapter) may be detachably mounted. The scope connector 41 of the endoscope 3 is detachably attached to the AWS unit 4 with the solenoid valve unit 42 'attached.

[0312] Fig. 50 (A) is a front view of the solenoid valve unit 42 ', Figs. 50 (B) and 50 (C) are left and right side views, and Figs. 50 (D) and 50 (E). Shows cross-sectional views taken along lines AA ′ and BB ′ in FIG. 50 (A).

[0313] In the above-described AWS adapter 42, a force provided with a concave portion 42f for accommodating the pinch valve 45 (the front surface force of the AWS unit 4 also protrudes) is provided on the back (base end) side thereof. In the valve unit 42 ', a pinch valve 45 is provided therein, and a relief pipe 47a is passed through the pinch valve 45.

[0314] In the solenoid valve unit 42 ', a pinch valve connector 42g that is detachably connected to the back side of the solenoid valve unit 42' of the AWS unit 4 and transmits a signal for driving the pinch valve 45. Is attached. Other configurations are the same as the above AWS adapter 42.

[0315] The operation and effect when the AWS unit 4 and the solenoid valve unit 42 'shown in Figs. 49 and 50 are adopted are almost the same as those of the AWS unit 4 and the solenoid valve unit 42 in the seventh embodiment. is there. [0316] As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, since the transparency sensor is provided in the middle of the conduit, the operation is performed immediately after use of the endoscope, which can be performed only at the time of cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope. Even in the bedside washing, it is possible to detect the contamination of the pipeline or the transparency of the fluid passing through the pipeline.

Industrial applicability

[0317] According to the endoscope of the present invention, by inserting the insertion portion into the body cavity and operating various operation means such as a track ball provided on the operation portion, the endoscope can be operated with good operability. Endoscopy can be performed.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject;

An operation unit provided at a rear end of the insertion unit,

An imaging unit provided in the operation unit for imaging a subject image and a control processing unit for controlling a predetermined function of the operation unit;

A signal circuit extended from the control processing means,

A connection unit provided on the operation unit, the connection unit enabling detachable connection of a tube unit through which at least one conduit is passed;

An endoscope comprising:

[2] The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the signal circuit includes signal transmission means for transmitting a plurality of types of signals in common.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the signal transmission means is connected to the signal transmission line inserted into the tube unit at the connection part by a predetermined connection means.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined connection means is a connection means that does not rely on connection by a metal electrode.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the connection means not relying on the connection by the metal electrode is a connection by non-contact electromagnetic coupling.

6. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined connection unit is a wireless connection unit.

[7] an insertion portion to be inserted into the subject;

An operation unit provided at a rear end of the insertion unit,

A signal circuit extended from the control processing means,

A power circuit for transmitting power supplied to an electric circuit in the operation unit,

A connection unit provided on the operation unit, the connection unit enabling detachable connection of a tube unit through which at least one conduit is passed; An endoscope comprising:

[8] The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein the signal circuit includes signal transmission means for transmitting a plurality of types of signals in common.

[9] The signal transmission means and the electric circuit are each connected to the signal transmission line and the power supply line inserted into the tube unit at the connection part by predetermined connection means. The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined connection means is a connection means that does not rely on connection by a metal electrode.

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the connection means that does not depend on the connection by the metal electrode is a connection by non-contact electromagnetic coupling.

[12] an insertion portion to be inserted into the subject;

An operation unit provided at a rear end of the insertion unit,

A signal circuit extended from the control processing means,

A tube unit through which at least one conduit is passed;

A connection unit provided on the operation unit, which enables the tube unit to be detachably connected;

An endoscope comprising:

13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein the signal circuit includes signal transmission means for transmitting a plurality of types of signals in common.

14. The endoscope according to claim 13, wherein the signal transmission unit is connected to a signal transmission line inserted into the tube unit at the connection unit by a predetermined connection unit.

15. The endoscope according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined connection means is a connection means that does not rely on connection by a metal electrode.

16. The endoscope according to claim 15, wherein the connection means that does not depend on the connection by the metal electrode is a connection by non-contact electromagnetic coupling.

17. The endoscope according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined connection unit is a wireless connection unit.

[18] an insertion portion to be inserted into the subject,

An operation unit provided at a rear end of the insertion unit,

A signal circuit extended from the control processing means,

A tube unit through which at least one conduit is passed;

An endoscope comprising:

An air supply / water supply / suction unit having the air supply, water supply and suction functions to which the endoscope is connected,

An endoscope system control device that performs predetermined control on the endoscope by transmitting and receiving a predetermined signal to and from the signal circuit in the endoscope;

An endoscope system comprising:

19. The endoscope system according to claim 18, wherein the signal circuit includes signal transmission means for transmitting a plurality of types of signals in common.

20. The endoscope system according to claim 19, wherein the signal transmission unit is connected to a signal transmission line inserted into the tube unit at the connection unit by a predetermined connection unit.

21. The endoscope system according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined connection means is a connection means that does not rely on connection by a metal electrode.

22. The endoscope system according to claim 21, wherein the connection means not relying on the connection by the metal electrode is a connection by non-contact electromagnetic coupling.

23. The endoscope system according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined connection unit is a wireless connection unit.

[24] A distal end provided with an illumination window and an observation window, and a bendable bending portion are provided in the insertion portion. Endoscope

First light guide means for guiding a part of the illumination light to be emitted from the illumination window to a peripheral portion including the curved portion,

A pressure deforming member disposed at least in a peripheral portion including the curved portion, the light guided by the first light guiding means is emitted inside, and the shape is changed according to a pressing amount of an external force; ,

A second light guide unit that receives and guides light emitted inside the pressing deformation member, and a light detection unit that detects light guided by the second light guide unit;

An endoscope comprising:

25. The endoscope according to claim 24, wherein the first light guide unit guides peripheral illumination light in the illumination light emitted from the illumination window.

26. The endoscope according to claim 24, wherein said first and second light guide means are configured using an optical fiber.

27. The endoscope according to claim 24, wherein the pressing deformation member is disposed inside the bending portion and forms a detecting unit of a bending amount of the bending portion.

[28] The first light guide means is configured using a light guide fiber arranged on a peripheral side of a light guide fiber bundle constituting a light guide that emits the illumination window force illumination light. 25. The endoscope according to claim 24, wherein:

29. The endoscope according to claim 24, wherein the pressing deformation member is provided at a plurality of positions in a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion in a peripheral portion including the curved portion.

30. The endoscope according to claim 24, wherein the pressing deformation member is provided at a plurality of circumferential positions of the insertion portion in a peripheral portion including the curved portion.

31. The endoscope according to claim 24, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the output signal force by the light detection unit is applied with a pressing amount equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

32. The endoscope according to claim 24, further comprising a restricting unit that restricts the bending of the bending portion based on a change in an output signal from the light detection unit.

33. The endoscope according to claim 24, wherein the first light guide unit has a light branching unit for taking in a part of the illumination light.

[34] The reference member having substantially the same characteristics as the pressing and deforming member is not to be deformed! / In a state, the light detecting means uses the detection output of the guided member as a reference value and the reference value force as the reference value. 25. The endoscope according to claim 24, wherein an amount of pressing applied to the pressing deformable member is detected based on the amount of change.

[35] a first step of driving the bending portion in the direction of the bending instruction according to the bending instruction;

A second step of detecting whether a change in output of the pressing amount detection optically disposed at the periphery of the bending portion and performing a pressing amount detection during the bending driving is greater than or equal to a reference value; and A third step of restricting the bending drive when a change in detection output is equal to or greater than a reference value;

Control method for curving drive provided with:

[36] In an endoscope having an insertion portion and a duct inserted in the insertion portion,

A transparent conduit portion provided in the conduit,

An endoscope comprising a photodetector for detecting light transmitted through the transparent conduit.

37. The endoscope according to claim 36, wherein the conduit is an air supply / water supply conduit.

38. The endoscope according to claim 36, wherein the conduit is a suction conduit.